My Journey to the 2026 Texas Lone Star Open Auctioneer Championship. Breaking Barriers as the Only Woman Competitor
- Kate Phillips Burgess
- Feb 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 6

This year, I had the honor and excitement of competing in the 2026 Texas Lone Star Open Auctioneer Championship, one of the most prestigious events in the auctioneering world. Held annually in Texas and drawing top talent from all over the United States, the Texas Lone Star Open is a competitive live auctioneering contest that challenges skill, speed, clarity, and crowd command and promises first prize a $20,000 payout.
What made this year especially meaningful for me? Out of 24 highly skilled auctioneer contestants, I was the only woman in the competition. This experience was not just about competing; it was about representation in a male-dominated industry, pushing past barriers, and proving that a woman’s voice belongs at the auctioneer’s podium just as much as anyone else’s.
Training for the Texas Lone Star Open Auctioneer Championship 2026
Preparing for the Texas Lone Star Open took months of dedication. I invested countless hours in:
Auction chant practice
Voice modulation and clarity drills
Memorizing auction descriptions
Perfecting bid calling techniques
Stage presence and crowd engagement exercises
Competing against the best auctioneers in the United States meant bringing my A game, and that drive to succeed pushed me further than I ever expected.
Stepping onto the Stage as the Only Woman Auctioneer
Walking into the venue, I could feel the energy in the room. Contestants from across the United States had gathered under one roof, representing different auction schools and states, all driven by the same dream: to win the Texas Lone Star Open Auctioneer Championship title and secure the grand prize money of $20,000.
I knew I was the only woman in the group, but instead of seeing that as a disadvantage, I saw it as a powerful opportunity to inspire.
Being the only female auctioneer in the contest wasn’t just a statistic; it was a chance to reshape perceptions and elevate the role of women in the auction industry. I wanted other women to see me and think, “If she can do it, I can too.”
Highlights from the Competition
The 2026 Texas Lone Star Open Auctioneer Championship was intense. Each round tested:
Bidding speed and accuracy
Clarity of chant
Audience engagement
Professional presence on stage
Every contestant brought remarkable talent, and I was proud to stand among them, showcasing not only my skills, but also the growing presence of women in competitive auctioneering.
Why Competing Matters Beyond the Championship
Participating in the Texas Lone Star Open Auctioneer Championship wasn’t just about winning a title, it was about visibility, courage, and progress for women in the auction world.
Auctioneering, traditionally dominated by men, is now evolving, and it’s exciting to be part of that change. My journey this year was a reminder that:
Women belong on competitive stages
Diversity strengthens the auctioneering community
Representation encourages future generations
Thank You and What’s Next
To my fellow contestants, organizers, and supporters: thank you for making the 2026 Texas Lone Star Open Auctioneer Championship unforgettable.
To other women dreaming of the auction block: I encourage you to step forward. Whether you’re training for a local competition, exploring auctioneer schools, or preparing to chant your first bid, you’re building a path forward for others to follow.

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