Mario Andino Crowned Best Barber in Canada, Heads to Global Championship

Brandon-based barber Mario Andino has been named the Best Barber in Canada, achieving this national recognition just three years after beginning his career. The accolade came from the Wahl of Fame during the 2025 Canadian Barber of the Year contest, which concluded with judges crowning him as the top stylist last week.

The competition, which commenced via Instagram open submissions, saw barbers from across the country showcase their skills. Andino triumphed over numerous competitors and received a trophy, a $1,000 sponsorship for barbering tools, and an opportunity to serve as a brand ambassador. Most notably, he has secured a fully funded trip to Chicago next year to represent Canada at a global championship where winners from 18 countries will compete for the world title.

Reflecting on his journey, Andino expressed his disbelief at the honor. “I never thought I was going to represent the whole country in barbering,” he stated. “I started in my basement during COVID with cheap clippers, giving bad haircuts to friends and family. Now I get to represent Canada on the world stage.”

Journey from Rookie to National Champion

Andino’s rise in the barbering world has been remarkable. He arrived in Canada from Honduras 14 years ago and settled in Brandon. Initially working at Maple Leaf Foods, he decided to pursue barbering full-time, enrolling at H&Co Academy. After completing a nine-month program, he joined Elevate Barbershop in October 2024. In less than a year, he transformed from a novice to a national champion.

The competition process was rigorous. Participants submitted videos demonstrating their skills with Wahl tools, and from a large pool of entries, only six barbers advanced. These finalists were subsequently narrowed down through online voting, where Andino garnered significant support from his family, clients, and the Brandon community. Ultimately, the judges selected him as Canada’s top barber for 2025.

Andino’s co-owner at Elevate Barbershop, Taher Banuga, praised his dedication. “He came here straight out of school and has only gotten better and better. He’s hard-working, persistent, and always willing to learn,” Banuga said. He noted that Andino stayed late to produce competition videos, demonstrating a commitment that ultimately led to his victory.

A Memorable Celebration and Future Aspirations

The news of Andino’s victory was celebrated in a fitting manner. Banuga was cutting Andino’s hair when the winning notification arrived, and the two celebrated with excitement in the shop. “We were screaming and laughing right there in the shop,” Andino recounted.

As he prepares for the global finals in Chicago, Andino faces a significant challenge. He will compete against elite barbers from North and South America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, each required to bring their own model and perform live cuts. Despite the pressure, Andino remains focused and humble. “Winning this doesn’t change how I see myself. I’m still at square one, working as hard as before. There are amazing barbers out there who inspire me to keep improving,” he remarked.

The achievement has resonated deeply with his family both in Canada and in Honduras. “My mom, my sister, even family back home — they were all proud and telling their friends to vote for me,” Andino shared. With a trophy soon to be displayed at his barbershop station, he is already looking ahead to future challenges. Beyond the world competition, he plans to enter more live battles, including an event in Winnipeg next spring.

Andino’s journey from a basement barber to a national champion is a testament to his talent and determination, promising an exciting future both for himself and for Canadian barbering on the global stage.