When Jace Thompson first began his auctioneering career, he quietly set a lofty goal. He didn’t publicize it, but he wanted to prove to himself that he could stick to something, refine his craft and ultimately become the best in the world.
By June 20, that silent ambition became a historic reality as the 23-year-old from Billings, Mont., was named the 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion. With his victory, Jace and his father, Ty Thompson — the 2009 champion — became the first father-son duo to ever win the prestigious title.
A third-generation cattleman and auctioneer, Jace grew up completely immersed in the industry. His grandfather built a livestock marketing business from scratch in Wyoming, and his father later moved to Montana to do the same, also adding a couple of feedyards to the mix. Though Jace explored other interests after high school, including real estate, the pull of the family business was inevitable. Five years ago, he decided to take auctioneering seriously, selling six days a week across three states, adding 9,200 miles to the odometer each month as he honed his skills.
Now, as the reigning World Livestock Auctioneer Champion, Jace is prepared to put that dedication to work on an international scale. He will spend the next year driving the custom-wrapped World Livestock Auctioneer Championship pickup truck across the U.S. and Canada, serving as an advocate for the Livestock Marketing Association and the industry as a whole.
“I want to do my No. 1 job, which is be a spokesperson and be an ambassador for the auction method of selling livestock,” Thompson said, noting his excitement to also share LMA’s resources and regulatory updates with market owners.
For aspiring auctioneers looking to achieve the same success, Thompson stresses the value of grit and someone to look up to.
“Find a proven mentor,” he said. “One who is successful and is willing to help, because it’s very hard to get good at this without a mentor.”
Thompson also noted the importance of treating every opportunity with equal respect, whether it is a major market or a local volunteer fire department pie auction.
“As long as you’re humble enough and willing enough to learn, you can grow more than you could ever imagine from every sale,” he added.
In addition to the one-year use of the world champion truck, Thompson took home $10,000 in cash, a Gist belt buckle, a hand-tooled leather briefcase, a bronze sculpture, a world champion ring, a custom-engraved Henry Original rifle, a golden gavel and a sterling silver money clip.
Joining him in the winner’s circle was Reserve Champion Troy Robinett, Decatur, Texas, and Runner Up Barrett Simon, Rosalia, Kan., who was also recognized for achieving the highest score in the interview portion of the contest. Austin Schaben, Dunlap, Iowa, was named the Audrey K. Banks Rookie of the Year. Rounding out the top 10, in contest order, were: Ryan Konynenbelt, Fort MacLeod, Alberta; Josh Jasper, Nicholasville, Ky.; Jerran Miller, Chouteau, Okla.; Leon Caselman, Long Lane, Mo.; Andrew Sylvester, Westmoreland, Kan.; and Garrett Nunn, Laramie, Wyo.
Entry for the 2027 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship qualifying events is now open with events building up to the 2027 Championship to be held next June in South Lake Tahoe, Nev., and Galt, Calif.