The barbering community is mourning the loss of Ian ‘Champ’ Hoyos, a respected figure whose passion, talent, and larger-than-life personality left a lasting impact across the industry.
Known affectionately as ‘Champ’ by friends and colleagues, Ian built a reputation not only for his skill behind the chair, but for his unwavering support of fellow barbers. A familiar face at industry events, competitions, and education sessions, he was admired for his generosity, encouragement, and commitment to helping others grow.
Tributes have poured in from across the barbering world, with many sharing memories of Ian’s infectious energy, sense of humour, and dedication to the craft. For those who knew him, he was more than a barber – he was a mentor, a motivator, and a true ambassador for the industry.
Ian’s influence extended far beyond his own work, inspiring the next generation of barbers and strengthening the sense of community that defines the profession. His passion for barbering, and for the people within it, will not be forgotten.
BarberEVO joins the global barbering community in paying tribute to Ian ‘Champ’ Hoyas. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to live on through the many lives and careers he touched.
Here are some tributes from those who knew Ian ‘Champ’ Hoyos best:
David Foster and Andrew Brewster, co-founders of EVO Media Group: “Ian ‘Champ’ Hoyos represented the best of the barbering community. He supported BarberEVO from the start, connected us with others, and did it all with no agenda – just kindness and belief in people. He put the same energy into charity and his local community, and his impact will be felt for a long time. Rest easy Champ.”
Nate Peterson, founder of Nathersonn: “Ian ‘Champ’ Hoyos was more than a barber. He was a personality, a presence, a family man, and the heartbeat behind Champs Barbers in the heart of London. Proud of his Colombian heritage and deeply rooted in the culture of boxing and community, Champ built more than a shop, he built a home for conversation, confidence and connection. His shop became the home and heartbeat of the community around him. Boxing wasn’t just something he loved, it was how he lived. Discipline. Belief. Heart. The same mindset that wins rounds in the ring was the mindset he brought to the chair every single day. For Champ, barbering and boxing were cut from the same cloth. Precision. Timing. Courage. Confidence. Founding Champs Barbers in the early 2012s, he created a space that reflected his own spirit: bold, welcoming, full of character and lined with boxing memorabilia that told stories of grit and greatness. His chair became a place where worlds met, from everyday locals to high profile figures, all treated with the same warmth and respect. He had a rare ability to make everyone feel important. From picking up his mum’s clippers as a boy and cutting his friends’ hair, to becoming one of the most respected names in barbering, his journey was built on belief and relentless work ethic. He opened multiple shops across London, launched a boxing gym, travelled the world sharing his craft, and even cut hair in places most would never imagine, including London’s NikeTown. But beyond the names and the accolades, Champ’s true legacy lives in the community he built. He championed people as much as he did his craft. He was someone’s biggest supporter, the one who believed in you loudly, the one who pushed you to think bigger. If Champ was in your corner, you felt unstoppable. His team were not just employees, they were family. He invested in them, stood behind them and built a culture of winners around him.”
Byrd Mena, Creative Consultant for Booksy and Wahl Professional: “The one and only Champ was really a champion in the way he lived – real, loving, and powerful in his presence. He brought the world closer just by being who he was. And that kind of legacy doesn’t disappear… long live the Champ.”
Hayden Cassidy, BarberEVO Columnist, Dior UK Grooming Expert, Founder of Croi: “One of the first major trips I went on was to Moscow as an educator. I felt out of my depth, I was still early in my career and felt out of my depth among so many legends but Champ never let me doubt myself and stood by my side. Even before that, he would introduce me to people in the industry and backed me through every opportunity. His barbershop was one of the first places I walked into in London, and some of the people he introduced me to are my best friends now. he did so much for this industry, and seeing others reflect on moments with him are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. His legacy will continue through everyone he mentored but personally, I want to say thank you Champ, for everything.”