The Gamma+ Fade Off Competition at Expo4Barbers 2026 delivered an electrifying showcase of precision, creativity, and technical mastery.

Designed to celebrate the true artistry of fading, this high-energy competition brought together 16 of the industry’s most talented barbers for an unforgettable face-off.

Each competitor stepped up to the challenge in a fast-paced 20-minute Fade Battle, pushing their skills to the limit under pressure. From flawless blends to razor-sharp finishes, the standard was nothing short of exceptional.

More than just a competition, the Fade Off was a platform for barbers to test their craft, gain recognition, and perform in front of a live audience of industry peers.

The results

After an intense series of head-to-head battles, judged on precision, technique, blend, and overall finish,
the final came down to an incredibly close decision.

Congratulations to our 2026 Champion:

Adam Isbill

Delivering a flawless execution under pressure, Adam’s performance embodied everything the Fade Off stands for—control, precision, and elite-level artistry.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
From England I started my career 12 years ago in a traditional styled barbershop. Progressing through the years I developed my skills and confidence moving to different shops and running my own studio through Covid.

At the start of 2023 I moved to Australia, working and travelling predominantly up and down the east coast (while exploring the westcoast and NZ) Although on the move for the last few years I find myself settling down in Newcastle where I’m focusing on training our apprentice and working alongside my colleagues to continually develop skillset.

Gamma+ want to personally commend our runner up

Jude Rewcastle

who delivered an outstanding performance, pushing the competition to its absolute limit in a final that could have gone either way. It was an incredibly close call—both competitors delivered championship-worthy fades and truly deserved the win.

A huge congratulations to all 16 competitors who stepped into the arena and represented the future of barbering at the highest level.