AKRON, Ohio — Akron Auto Auction announced this week that it will be welcoming the top auctioneers and ring-people from around the U.S. later this month for the World Automobile Auctioneers Championship.

Contestants will gather at the Akron, Ohio auction on May 21 for individual and team competition. Up for grabs will be prize money, trophies and championship rings.

This year's judge panel will consist of the following industry executives: Paul Seger, of GE Capital; Scott Eyster, of US Bank; Brent Huisman, of Santander Consumer Finance; Steve Houston, of Wells Fargo Dealer Services; Dave Stolt, of The Hertz Corp.; Thomas Moore, of SmartAuction; and previous champions like Amy Assiter and John Nicholls. 

"This is a fantastic opportunity for our auction to showcase the facility, staff and service in a World Class competition setting," said auction president Chad Bailey.