TJ Freije of Clayton, Ind., has been named the 2024 World Automobile Auctioneer Champion. Freije was crowned champion at the 2024 World Automobile Auctioneer Championship (WAAC), held April 26 at ADESA Indianapolis in Plainfield, Indiana.

The event drew more than 80 competitors from across the country. The prestigious competition highlights the importance of the auctioneer profession and provides an opportunity to celebrate the very best of automobile auctioneering. 

TJ Freije is president of Freije & Freije Auctioneers, a fourth-generation auction company based in Clayton, Ind. Freije’s son, Tyce Freije, placed second in the 2024 WAAC. 

“It was amazing to see the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication on display at the 2024 WAAC,” said ADESA Indianapolis General Manager Kathy Hopkins. “I’m grateful for all our competitors, judges, sponsors, and the entire team at ADESA Indianapolis and NAAA for their tireless efforts in making this a memorable event.”

Since 1989, top auctioneers and ringmen from around the world have competed in the WAAC. The 2024 WAAC marked the second time the event was held under National Auto Auction Association ownership.

NAAA thanks all the WAAC competitors, judges, sponsors, the WAAC committee, volunteers, and attendees for making this year’s event a success. Details about the 2025 WAAC competition at Manheim Phoenix will be released in the near future.