By Jack Quirk
Hennessey graduate Brandon Mendoza has added another major title to his growing list of accomplishments, recently being named the 2026 Oklahoma State Champion Auctioneer, becoming the youngest person in state history to earn the honor.
Mendoza, now 21 years old, graduated from Hennessey High School in 2023 and has been working toward this moment for nearly a decade. The championship also carries an important role. As the 2026 titleholder, he will serve as the state ambassador for Oklahoma’s auctioneering industry, representing auctioneers across the state and promoting the profession throughout the coming year.
His interest in auctioneering began early. Mendoza started learning the trade at just 12 years old after attending cattle auctions every Saturday with his father, Eleazar Valles. Watching the auctioneers work quickly became the highlight of his week and sparked a fascination with the fast-paced chant that defines the profession.
As a teenager, Mendoza connected with Hennessey auctioneer Justin Choate, who became an important mentor. With Choate’s guidance, Mendoza began gaining experience behind the microphone and developing his own auction chant.
His early success came in 2018, when he competed in the International Junior Auctioneer Championship in Jacksonville, Florida, finishing in second place, missing the title by just half a point.
Rather than slowing him down, the close finish pushed Mendoza to keep improving. Years of practice eventually paid off when he returned to the stage and was crowned the 2023 International Junior Auctioneer Champion, a major milestone in his young career.
Over the years, Mendoza has continued refining his chant, including developing the ability to auction in both English and Spanish, a rare skill that allows him to reach a wider audience.
Now, with the 2026 Oklahoma State Champion Auctioneer title, Mendoza has reached another major milestone in a journey that began at local cattle auctions.
“It’s an extremely big honor,” Mendoza said. “I’m proud to represent Oklahoma and serve as the state ambassador this year.”
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