WA's auctioneering talent was on show today at REIWA's 2026 Gift of the Gavel Auctioneering Championships, with Brendon Habak taking out the Novice title and Prash Nayar confirmed as Western Australia's Senior representative for the 2026 Australasian Auctioneering Championships (AUSTROS).
Brendon and Prash will represent WA in Melbourne this May, following a strong display of skill, speed and showmanship at the annual event.
The Gift of the Gavel celebrates the art of auctioneering and showcase the high standards of WA's auctioneers, from emerging talent through to experienced performers.
This year, seven competitors contested the Novice category, with Dante Caputo, Liam O'Keefe, Daniel Ranshaw, Revandy Rasyad, John Fogarty and Himanshu Siag also taking to the stage in front of the judging panel.
Competitors were assessed on their technical knowledge, ability to calculate bids quickly, respond to challenging questions from bidders, control the flow of the auction and engage the crowd, all while maintaining energy, confidence and composure.
REIWA CEO Blaine Slater said the competition highlighted the specialist skills needed to succeed as an auctioneer.
"Auctioneering is a unique skill that requires much more than calling bids," he said.
"A great auctioneer needs strong technical knowledge, confidence under pressure,the ability to think quickly, hold the engagement of the crowd whilst gaining momentum for the vendor.
"Competitions like the Gift of the Gavel are a great way to showcase the depth of auctioneering talent in Western Australia and support the next generation of professionals developing their craft."
Prash will now represent WA in the Senior category at the 2026 AUSTROS, while Brendon will compete in the Novice division.
The annual championships continue to play an important role in promoting auctioneering as a specialist discipline and providing newer auctioneers with the opportunity to test their skills in a live competition environment.
Pictured above: Novice runner-up Revandy Rasyad, Prash Nayar and Brendon Habak.
