The World Barista Championships is not just a competition, it is also a set of standards and practices that help define specialty coffee. We take that role very seriously, and are constantly looking to evolve and clarify our Rules & Regulations, in order to create the smoothest, most professional experiences possible, full of engaging content that can help bring the competitions to life.
There will be a number of communications coming out in the coming weeks from the WBC Evolution Committee, detailing clarifications and minor changes to make Dublin a smooth, fun event for participants and attendees. This first set is helping ease the use and fairness of personal grinders, and providing information about the Champion Espresso Bar shifts, returning from last year. The audience response to getting to drink coffee made by the champions was fantastic, and we can’t wait to build on that this year.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@wce2.flywheelsites.com
Grinder Logistics
- When every competitor registers online, they will specify whether they will use their own Mahlkönig grinder(s), or sponsor-provided Mahlkönig grinder(s).
- Every competitor will be provided grinder(s), in accordance with their online registration.
Sponsor-Provided Grinders:
- If a competitor is using a sponsored grinder(s), they will receive their grinder(s) in advance of their practice time.
- Each sponsor-provided grinder will have a unique serial number, and will be signed out to a specific competitor.
- All sponsor-provided grinders will be sealed, so that competitors cannot open them and change parts.
- All sponsor-provided grinders will be brand new. However, the grinders will be distributed with enough advanced time for the competitors to season them.
- Once the sponsor-provided grinder is distributed to the competitor, it will be become the responsibility of the competitor and will be in the competitor’s possession for the entire week.
- Competitors will return their grinder(s) to Mahlkönig once their competition time is complete.
- If a grinder is not returned, the competitor will be invoiced.
Competitor-Provided Grinders:
- All grinders that competitors bring themselves will be checked by Mahlkönig, prior to competitor practice time. The grinders will be checked to see that:
- they are the correct make/model
- no modifications have been made
- Once the grinder is verified, a sticker will be put on it, and the grinder will be sealed.
- Before going onstage for competition, the seal and sticker will be checked again by the Stage Manager.
Mahlkönig will bring extra grinders, parts, and seals.
Espresso Bar Shifts
- All competitors will be given one mandatory espresso bar shift in Dublin.
- All competitors will be scheduled at the espresso bar, after their preliminary round performance is complete.
- Competitors will utilize a sponsored coffee at the espresso bar, and will only use the provided equipment at the espresso bar. No other coffee or equipment may be used.
- The espresso bar shifts are designed so that the competitors have the opportunity to connect with the onsite audience and fans.
