Australia and New Zealand’s best in barbering talent, creativity, and business excellence have been named at the ANZ Modern Barber Awards 2025 (AMBAs). The biggest winners of the evening included Empire Barbershop, named ANZ Modern Barber Business of the Year 2025, Matt Clarke, Esq. Male Grooming, named ANZ Modern Barber of the Year, Jimmy O’Brien, AKA Jimmy Rod awarded Special Recognition and Clare Castles inducted into the Hall of Fame..
Held on Monday 5th May at The Island in Surfers Paradise, the gala celebrated the most talented barbers, business leaders, and educators from across Australia and New Zealand and shone a spotlight on this fast-evolving industry. Guests enjoyed a stylish start to the night with canapés and drinks before moving into the elegant Glasshouse room for the awards ceremony.
The evening included an experiential fusion of elevated and interactive street art, beat boxing, live musicians, deep DJ beats, plus alley echo rhythms and raps that hit like they were born in the backstreets. An absolute mic dropping’ highlight of the night was street scene icon VOLTAK, whose live performance cemented why he’s the reigning champion of numerous Australian and international titles and regularly called on to judge major street scene competition categories right across the globe. The celebrations then continued late into the evening at the official afterparty, hosted at the ultra-cool Duke’s Parlour and proudly sponsored by JRL and Reuzel.
Established in 2021 by Linda Woodhead and the Mocha Group, the AMBA’s have quickly become the ultimate benchmark of success in barbering. In a landmark moment, the 2025 awards opened the floor to New Zealand participants for the first time, creating a trans-Tasman showcase of talent and innovation.
As the official media partner of EXPO4BARBERS, the AMBA’s were the crown jewel in a weekend packed with networking, education, and high-impact events. The awards night provided a fitting finale, leaving attendees inspired and energised by the possibilities ahead.
Appreciation goes to the event’s valued sponsors Dateline Imports, American Crew, Hairco, JRL, Reuzel, Comfortel, Depot, Heiniger, Shortcuts, Gamma+, Expo4Barbers, ZIB, American Barber, and DP Exo Grow. Thanks, are also due to the esteemed panel of independent judges, comprising leading media representatives, business professionals, international barbering authorities, and respected industry experts. The unwavering commitment of these organisations and individuals continues to elevate the barbering industry and highlight the exceptional talent it encompasses.
2025 AMBA WINNERS
Style Product of the Year
Sponsored by mocha barber magazine
REF Rough Paste by Smiths Collective Brands
Best ANZ Barber Collection – Junior
Sponsored by Hairco – JRL/Reuzel
Duncan Black, Harrison and Co Barbers
Best ANZ Barbershop Team Member of the Year
Sponsored by Dp EXO GROW
Keegan Walklin, Kings Domain Barber Shop
Best ANZ Business Director/Owner of the Year
Sponsored by Shortcuts
Robby Lippett, Attaboy
Best ANZ Barber Collection – Classic
Sponsored by Dateline Imports
Gianni Sollazzo, Esq. Male Grooming
Best ANZ Barber Collection – Freestyle
Sponsored by Gamma+
Jordan Donegan, Studio X
Best ANZ Customer Care
Sponsored by Heiniger
The Studio-X
Best ANZ Barbershop Design
Sponsored by Comfortel
Common Barbershop
Best ANZ Barber Educator of the Year – Individual
Sponsored by ZIB
Damian Lai
Best ANZ Barber Educator of the Year – Organisation
Sponsored by Depot
The Barber Academy x 4 Barbers
Best ANZ Team Collection
Sponsored by American Crew
Hearts & Minds
BTS Crew
Sponsored by mocha barber magazine
Photographer: Theresa Hall. Stylist: Ysha Giorno. MUA: Sarah Smith.
For Ryan Poole, Modern Barber Collection
International Modern Barber of the Year
Sponsored by Expo4Barbers
Rino Riccio, UK
ANZ Modern Barber Business of the Year
Sponsored by American Barber
Empire Barbershop
ANZ Modern Barber of the Year
Sponsored by mocha group
Matt Clarke, Esq. Male Grooming
Special Recognition
Sponsored by mocha group
Jimmy O’Brien, AKA Jimmy Rod
AMBA Hall of Fame
Sponsored by mocha group
Clare Castles
