Ilai Matangi, also known as @havea_676, has been crowned Creator of the Year at the world's biggest TikTok Awards, held for the first time at the newly minted TikTok Entertainment Centre in Sydney.
Gold Coast-based family man, proud Tongan, and last year's Comedy Creator of the Year, Ilai rose above fellow creators Latisha Clark, Tammy Hembrow, Jiny Maeng, and Ben Stubbs, thanking his dedicated community of more than 2.7 million followers.
"I started making videos with my kids for fun – I never imagined it would turn into such a fulfilling career. To be here, winning this award voted by my TikTok fans is truly humbling. This recognition isn't just for me, it's for my family, and the community that's supported me from day one," said Ilai.
A record-breaking 6.4 million votes were cast for the 2025 TikTok Awards - 3 million more than last year and reinforcing the event as Australia's most popular publicly voted awards show.
The crowd went wild when star of Wicked: For Good and People's Sexiest Man Alive, Jonathan Bailey made a surprise appearance, presenting the TikTok For Good award to Australian wildlife conservationist Josh Neille.
"Standing here tonight, I’m reminded that you don’t need magic to make a real difference. TikTok is known for creativity, humour, and entertainment but it’s also become a space where people take action, raise their voices, and lift up their communities. One video, one message, one spark of humanity can ripple outward and change lives," said Jonathan Bailey on stage.
Making it the biggest TikTok Awards event in the world, over 5,000 people filled the TikTok Entertainment Centre with millions more tuning in live on TikTok and Stan to experience Keli Holiday performing his hit Dancing2, while Jude York was joined by his mum for his heart-wrenching rendition of ABBA's Slipping Through My Fingers.
The electric atmosphere was boosted by the creators, musicians, sportstars, and celebrities who descended on the star-studded event including Cody Simpson, Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Abo, Dylan Alcott, Nagi Maehashi, Courtney Act, Harry Garside, Midnight Til Morning, The Inspired Unemployed, Kat Clark, and Indy Clinton.
"What an incredible, sold-out celebration at the TikTok Entertainment Centre, broadcast live on Stan, and officially the biggest TikTok Awards in the world! This year's winners have more than 38 million followers on TikTok combined and it's a privilege to showcase our local creators to Australia and the world," said Simon Bates, Head of Content for TikTok Australia and New Zealand.
Kiwi creators shone with Louis Davis named New Zealand Creator of the Year, Kiwi actor and filmmaker Theo Shakes winning the inaugural Entertainment Creator of the Year award, chef Andy Hearnden taking home Food Creator of the Year, and the multi-talented Lance Savali winning Music Artist of the Year.
Leah Halton (aka @looooooooch) took out Video of the Year for the second year running for her behind-the-scenes video boasting more than 150 million views, Business of the Year went to local fashion brand All for Mimi owned by TikTok powerhouse Sophia Begg (aka @sophadophaa), and Sydney-based women’s health physiotherapist Heidi Barlow won the Learn on TikTok award.
Fans can relive the action of the 2025 TikTok Awards via @tiktok_australia, on demand on Stan, or on 9Go! on December 4th.
The 2025 TikTok Award winners are:
- Creator of the Year, presented by NESCAFÉ: Ilai Matangi (@havea_676)
- Video of the Year, presented by Tinder: Leah Halton (@looooooooch)
- TikTok for Good presented by Wicked: For Good: Josh Neille (@josh_neille)
- New Zealand Creator of the Year: Louis Davis (@louisdavis_)
- Food Creator of the Year: Andy Hearnden (@andy_cooks)
- Business of the Year, presented by HP: All For Mimi (@allformimi)
- Sports and Fitness Creator of the Year, presented by EHP Labs: Hannah Pearson (@hannahhpearson)
- Beauty and Fashion Creator of the Year, presented by Rimmel: Ellen Malone (@askellenbeauty)
- Music Artist of the Year, presented by Uber Eats: Lance Savali (@lancesavali)
- Entertainment Creator of the Year Award: Theo Shakes (@theoshakes)
- Learn on TikTok: Heidi Barlow (@womenshealthwithheidi)
- Comedy Creator of the Year: Liam Dowling and Ben Christopher (@nansfavourites)
- LIVE Creator of the Year: Ūla (@ulaulaula)
- High Quality Content Creator: Anthony Randello-Jahn (@thedonutdaddy)