07/21/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Cody Shelley Named 2026 International Auctioneer Champion, Men’s Division
Championship culminates a seven-year journey marked by perseverance, humility and personal growth
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Monday, July 20, 2026 — Cody Shelley, owner and auctioneer at Platinum Auction Group, Platinum Horse Sales, and Shelley Auction Services, has been named the 2026 International Auctioneer Champion, Men’s Division.i've got it
Shelley earned the title Friday, July 17, in San Antonio during the National Auction Association’s annual Conference & Show.
The championship marks the culmination of a journey that began in 2019, when Shelley first stepped onto the International Auctioneer Championship stage. He entered that year shortly after competing in the World Automobile Auctioneers Championship, initially viewing the contest as another opportunity to earn a trophy.
Seven years later, Shelley said the experience had reshaped both his understanding of achievement and the person he had become along the way.
“I entered this stage in 2019, right after a World Automobile Auctioneers Championship, and I came to get one more trophy that year,” Shelley said during the competition’s interview round. “I have been profoundly humbled since then.”
The International Auctioneer Championship recognizes excellence in bid calling, professionalism and service to the auction industry. Contestants advance through multiple rounds of bid calling and participate in an interview designed to evaluate their communication skills, industry knowledge and ability to serve as ambassadors for the auction profession.
During his interview, Shelley spoke openly about the maturity and self-reflection required to continue returning to the competition after falling short.
“This contest has changed who I am as a person,” Shelley said. “It has changed who I am as a father and who I am as an auctioneer, just based on the maturity that has to take place when you continue to fail on this stage.”
Shelley explained that the years of preparation, disappointment and renewed effort had affected far more than his professional performance.
“The amount of self-reflection that takes place when you’re preparing for the contest and don’t succeed has truly changed my life,” Shelley said. “It has made me a better husband, father and human all around.”
As champion, Shelley will spend the coming year representing the auction industry as an ambassador, raising awareness of the auction method of marketing and bringing greater attention to the work of professional auctioneers. He will also speak at various state and national conferences alongside the 2026 International Auctioneer Champion, Women’s Division, Carrie Hessney-Doran.
Shelley said he intends to use the platform to strengthen connections within the profession, particularly between contract auctioneers and the National Auction Association.
“Since 2019, I am a product of this association, and it has allowed me so many more opportunities for my family and me,” Shelley said.
He also identified mentorship for young auctioneers as a priority. Shelley noted the strength of the association’s youth competition and the need to continue supporting those contestants as they enter adulthood and begin building careers in the auction industry.
“We had 29 IJAC contestants this year, but we all know that once they’re 18 or older and they’re in the real world, they’re going to need support,” Shelley said. “I would love to see us create an asset-specific mentorship program of some sort, and I want to be a part of that; to be there when it does get tough.”
Shelley closed his competition interview with a commitment that he repeated after receiving the championship trophy.
“With this platform, I promise to leave this better than when I found it,” he said.
Shelley’s championship reflects a career dedicated to the auction profession. Through Platinum Auction Group, Platinum Horse Sales, and Shelley Auction Services, he and his wife Ashley serve clients in automotive, heavy equipment, livestock, and benefit auctions throughout the United States.
The championship also represents the support Shelley received from mentors and fellow auction professionals. During his acceptance remarks, he offered special recognition to International Auctioneer Champion Trey Morris.
“In my opinion, Trey Morris is the greatest IAC champion there has ever been in the history of this association,” Shelley said. “He pours more into each and every one here, and I appreciate everything he has done for me.”
Morris had this to say about Shelley’s win: "I've had the privilege of watching Cody's journey since he first stepped onto the IAC stage in 2019, and the greatest transformation wasn't in his chant, it was in his heart. Somewhere along the way, his focus shifted from chasing a trophy to building a legacy with Ashley for their children. When he found his 'why,' everything changed. His purpose became clearer and his leadership grew far beyond the competition stage. Watching him become the man, husband, father and champion he is today has been one of the greatest joys of my career. This championship is the result of years of focused growth, and no one is more deserving."
Shelley said he is honored by the opportunity to represent the profession that has created meaningful opportunities for his family and shaped his growth both personally and professionally.
“I’m unbelievably honored to be your 2026 International Auctioneer Champion,” he said.
About Cody Shelley
Cody Shelley is the owner of Platinum Auction Group, Platinum Horse Sales, and Shelley Auction Services alongside his wife, Ashley. Based in Burleson, Texas, Shelley is a professional auctioneer specializing in automotive, heavy equipment, livestock, and benefit auctions.
His professional credentials and accomplishments include Inaugural Mile High Bid Calling Competition, 2019 World Automobile Auctioneer Champion, 2020 Oklahoma State Champion, 2020 Texas State Champion, 2025 Battle of Bluegrass Auctioneer Champion, and has served on the Board for the Texas Auctioneers Association where he is currently president-elect.
Shelley began competing in the International Auctioneer Championship in 2019 after winning the World Automobile Auctioneer Championship the same year. He and Ashley live in Burleson with their children, Jakup and Bexley.
