About the Championships
What are the Golden Shears World Championships?
The Golden Shears World Championships are the pinnacle of competitive sheep shearing and woolhandling. In 2029 the world titles will be contested at Geelong Showgrounds, Victoria, from 1–4 November — the event's return to Australia and the first world-stage Merino competition in almost twenty years.
Why this edition matters
The World Championships are awarded through a highly competitive international bidding process overseen by the World Sheep Shearing Championships Council. Geelong's successful bid — developed in partnership with Shearing Sports Australia — demonstrated excellence in infrastructure, industry capability and event delivery, and drew strong support from national federations and industry leaders across the international shearing community.
The 2029 edition marks two returns at once: the Championships to Australian soil, and Merino competition to the world stage after almost twenty years. It is a sporting milestone and a celebration of the people, communities and industry that have shaped Australia's wool story for more than 240 years.
Explainer
What is competitive shearing?
Competitive shearing is an athletic contest of speed, precision and stamina. Competitors shear a set number of sheep against the clock while judges score quality — every second counts, and every blemish costs.
Elite shearers combine the fitness of endurance athletes with the fine control of craftspeople. Woolhandling — the companion discipline — is judged on the speed and precision with which fleece is thrown, skirted and prepared, protecting the value of the wool.
In Geelong, competition will be shorn on Fine Wool Merino sheep with a wool micron of 21 or less, selected for outstanding quality and consistency to ensure a fair and elite contest.
How competitors are scored
World-championship shearing is scored on a combination of time and quality penalties assessed by an international judging panel — the fastest shearer does not always win. Detailed 2029 scoring rules and qualification requirements will be published once confirmed by the relevant federations.
TBA
Disciplines
The 2029 competition disciplines and grades — including open-grade contests planned alongside the main championships to encourage wide participation — will be listed here as they are confirmed. proposed
Format & program
Championship format
Four days of world-title competition, 1–4 November 2029, on a six-stand raised board in front of up to 3,000 spectators — with live streaming and digital scoring built into the venue.
The Championships sit at the heart of a proposed broader festival window (19 October – 4 November 2029) that includes the Royal Geelong Show & Shearing Competition, the Geelong Cup, the Euroa & Warrnambool Shears and a gala dinner — with the Melbourne Cup following two days after the final.
festival program proposed
Session schedule
The detailed session-by-session schedule will be published closer to the event, once confirmed.
TBA
Nations & competitors
Competing nations, team line-ups and competitor profiles will appear here as federations confirm entries.
TBA
Officials & judges
The event will be headlined by a team of distinguished judges from around the world, working with Sportshear, the Royal Geelong Agricultural & Pastoral Society and the Royal Geelong Show Shearing Committee. Named appointments to follow.
TBA
Heritage
History of the World Championships
Shearing is a cornerstone of Australia's wool industry — a skilled, athletic profession that connects generations and sustains rural economies. The world championship tradition has carried that craft across hemispheres for decades; 2029 brings it home.
A full editorial history of the Championships — past hosts, champions and records — is in development for this page.
draft in progress
Legacy
A legacy for generations
Preserving the craft
Celebrating and elevating the traditions of Australian shearing, and inspiring pride in rural heritage.
The next generation
Partnerships with schools, training organisations and community groups to foster skills, youth engagement and workforce renewal.
Industry development
With SCAA Shearer Woolhandler Training Inc and other partners: new talent, best practice in animal welfare, sustainability and technology.
Regional prosperity
Visitors, jobs and attention that strengthen Geelong and regional Victoria's standing as a major-event destination.
International connection
Australia at the centre of the global wool conversation — federations, media and industry converging in one place.
Pride in wool
240 years of Australia's sheep industry, honoured and carried forward.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
When are the 2029 Golden Shears World Championships?
Competition runs 1–4 November 2029. A broader festival program is proposed for 19 October – 4 November 2029 and will be confirmed closer to the event.
Where will the Championships be held?
At the Geelong Showgrounds in Geelong, Victoria, Australia — a proven venue with a six-stand raised shearing board, seating for up to 3,000 spectators, and live streaming and digital scoring capability.
What happens at a World Shearing Championship?
Elite shearers and woolhandlers from around the world compete against the clock and an international judging panel. Shearing is scored on speed and quality; woolhandling on the precision and care of fleece preparation. The 2029 event will be shorn on Fine Wool Merino sheep of 21 micron or less.
How can I attend?
Ticketing details have not yet been released. Register for updates and we'll tell you the moment tickets are announced.
How can competitors qualify?
Qualification pathways are set by national federations and the World Sheep Shearing Championships Council. Requirements for 2029 will be published here once confirmed. Competitors can register interest now.
Where will results be published?
Live results and standings will be published on this website's Live & Results section, which activates during the event. Final results will remain archived here afterwards.