The ANZ Modern Barber Awards (AMBAs) delivered another landmark gala event at The Star, Gold Coast, celebrating the finest in barbering talent, creativity, and business excellence across Australia and New Zealand.
Founded in 2021 by Mocha Group, these prestigious awards remain the benchmark for the region's thriving barbering industry, and the 2026 winners have managed to raise the bar even higher.
An independent panel of judges spanning media, PR, business, and international barbering expertise ensured every submission was assessed with integrity.
"Monday evening was a true celebration of what makes this industry so special – the talent, the dedication, and the genuine heart that every one of our winners brings to their craft," said Mocha Group owner and founder, Linda Woodhead.
"Congratulations to each and every one of them! You are the reason these awards exist, and you are the inspiration that continues to drive this incredible and supportive barbering community forward."
These awards would not have been possible without the incredible support from Beard Octane, American Crew, Heiniger, Gamma+, Depot, Not About Us, SACSA, ZIB, Matsui, Beard Dye, Eekoloks, EXPO4BARBERS, The Big Barber Bash, JRL, Reuzel and the official media partner, Mocha Barber.
Without further ado, here are the winners of the ANZ Modern Barber Awards 2026:
Product of the Year – Club Liquid Clay
Best ANZ Barber Collection - Junior – Lauren Thomson, ESQ Male Grooming
Best ANZ Barbershop Team Member of the Year – Ryan Poole, ESQ Male Grooming
Best Business Owner Director of the Year – Jordan Tabakman, The Barber Club
Best ANZ Barber Collection - Classic – Liam Saunders, The Barber Club Richmond
Best ANZ Barber Collection - Freestyle – Lorenzo Manuele, The Barber Club Richmond
Best ANZ Customer Care – The Barber Club Ringwood
Best ANZ Barbershop Design – Kings Domain Barber Shop South Yarra
Best ANZ Barber Educator of the Year - Individual – Gareth Philpott
Best ANZ Barber Educator of the Year – Organisation – The Barber Academy X 4Barbers
Best ANZ Barber Team Collection – Ryan.Co Barbershop
Best Barber Collection - BTS Crew – Photographer: Guy Holliday for Lorenzo Manuele AMBA Freestyle Collection
International Modern Barber of the Year – Rino Riccio, Manifesto, UK
Special Recognition Award – Kalib Monaei, Not About Us Media
Hall of Fame – Alex Tabakman
People Choice Award – Itesh Fakoo, Evonik Australia
Best Barber Business of the Year – The Barber Club Bentleigh
ANZ Modern Barber of the Year – Jason Tay, Kings Domain Barber Shop Rialto
Image credit: Supplied