Photo by Louis Young
mat shank - competitor
Mat Shank: Video Highlight
Elvis & Co is pleased to welcome Mat Shank back to our 2025 Festival qualifying for the 2026 Ultimate ETA competition. In our inaugural contest, Mat placed 3rd and was the Fan Favourite. Then in 2024, Mat was once again our Fan Favourite automatically guaranteeing him an invitation to try to win the trophy for 2025.
Mat Shank is 23 years old and began performing as an ETA in 2022, jumping right into performing professionally. He has loved every moment of it since he started.
Mat began as an ETA at the age of 18 but his love for Elvis began at 16 years old when he visited Graceland with his family. At the time, his knowledge of Elvis was limited to his first and last name. During his visit, Mat felt the King’s presence and his favorite part was discovering Elvis’ personality through the furnishings and decor of his home as well as his stage wear. Following his visit, Mat began to study Elvis.
Mat performed in his first live show in the summer of 2022 and competed for the first time at Flaming Star that October where he was the 1st Runner Up and announced as the winner of the People’s Choice Award. He then competed in his 2nd competition -the Nashville Elvis Festival – in 2023 where he placed 3rd. He knew at that moment that he couldn’t stop performing and competiting.
Later in 2023, Mat attended his first Ultimate Elvis Semi-Finals at Graceland, representing the Penticton Elvis Festival.
Mat is not only active on stage, but off as well. Exercise is important to him and he regularly goes to the gym and takes boxing classes. His favorite pastime is taking long rides on his bike. He loves discovering new foods and flavors and enjoys cooking. He is fascinated by the world and loves learning about it, especially through science and history.
Mat is excited to be attending and competing at Elvis & Co and for the opportunity to meet new friends and fans of Elvis!