The competition starts at noon at the Big Top Amphitheatre, and promises to be another electrifying display of the best young auctioneering talent NSW and Australia has to offer.

With more than 1500 people turning up to watch the competition, it is one of the Royal Easter Show's premier events.

ALPA chief executive officer Andy Madigan said every year he was amazed at the enthusiasm and support the competition receives.

"It's great to see people getting behind the industry’s youth," Mr Madigan said.

Judged on their diction, values, voice and manner, the competitors must establish their own presence and unique style to make a memorable performance worthy of the title.

"It's always intimidating for these young men to get up and sell to such a large audience.

"Not only are they competing for the honour of representing their state or country, but they are also standing in front of some of the industry’s biggest personalities and icons," he said.

Titles the auctioneers compete for are the John Weekes Memorial Shield for winning at state level, cash, prizes from various sponsors and the opportunity to represent their state at the 2010 National Final.

National winners are awarded the honour of representing their country at the International Auctioneers Competition, held annually at the Calgary Stampede in Canada, plus the Prosser Cup and many other great prizes.

State pride is also on the line, with Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia competing, it promotes a fierce rivalry for the National Australia Bank Shield – awarded to the state with the highest combined point score.

"The competition is always fierce and the standard increasingly high. It’s the association’s prime event, and certainly keeps everyone on the edge of their seats," Mr Madigan said.