Justin Nickerson takes out the award for the second year in a row. 

Clarence White was the runner up, with judges stating the results were extremely close.

The five finalists in the event were:

• Mark McGoldrick - New Zealand 
• Bronte Manuel - South Australia 
• Ned Allison - New Zealand 
• Clarence White - NSW
• Justin Nickerson - Queensland

Real Estate Institute of Australia president Malcolm Gunning said it is the third time in the history of the event an auctioneer has won for two years in a row.

“Justin was announced as the title holder at a gala dinner at the Museum of South Australia last night after a tight contest between five outstanding auctioneers,” Gunning said.

“The finalists exemplify the young professional auctioneer of today. Justin and Clarence were very clean, slick and professional," he said.

The contestants "are moving the whole industry to another level,” said Gunning.

“Judges decided on a winner after the five finalists were briefed and auctioned a prestigious historic Adelaide home to mock-sell under the hammer. The bidding was fast and furious and the competition was exciting and highly entertaining,” Gunning said.

Real Estate Institute of Queensland CEO Antonia Mercorella congratulated Mr Nickerson on his historic win.

"Justin has worked so hard for this win and it's a testament to his attention to detail, to his determination and to his amazing skill," she said.

"He started planning for this day the very next day after last year's Australasian win. He's fast becoming a once-in-a-generation auctioneer," she said.

Open to the public, the annual Australasian Auctioneering Championships staged 23 auctions over two days. 

The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand will host the championships in 2018.

Read more about the contestants, judges, and previous winners.

2017 Australasian Schools Auctioneering Championships

The winner of the 2017 Australasian Schools Auctioneering Championships was Andre Briffa. 

Bailee Ha won the Encouragement Award. Bailee competed very well today, with English as her second language. 

Finalists in the 2017 Australasian Schools Auctioneering Championships were:

• Jake Tanner - South Australia 
• Amy-Lee Hay  - South Australia 
• Andre Briffa - Tasmania
• Jordan Culham - Victoria
• Bailee He - South Australia

What is an auctioneering competition?

Auctioneering competitions are designed to test the skills and knowledge of each competitor. They require competitors to take part in a simulated auction, made intentionally difficult with complex bidding sequences and difficult legal questions. Competitors must retain their wit, charm and confidence, despite the challenging circumstances. A strict time limit is imposed.

The competitions are said to be more challenging than a real-life auction, as every element is designed to test the knowledge, skill and composure of the competitor.

Visit the 2017 Australasian Auctioneering Championships web site.

Read more about the 2017 Australasian Auctioneering Championships:

2017 Australasian Auctioneering Championships Finalists

Justin Nickerson is Australasian Auctioneer of 2016

Bronte Manuel: South Australia's three-time auctioneering winner

Tom Esze takes home the main prize, again: REIWA 2017 Auctioneering Championship

Twenty-six-year-old Ned Allison is New Zealand's top auctioneer

Harry Li named Victorian Auctioneer of the Year