A total of 80 of the world’s best beer experts from 18 countries will compete for the coveted title of World Champion Beer Sommelier. This will be the eighth edition of the renowned competition.
Preliminary Rounds to Test Palate and Precision
The preliminary rounds will be held at the respected Doemens Academy in Gräfelfing, near Munich. There, the participants will face a range of sensory challenges designed to test their expertise in identifying beer styles and aromas. These include evaluating the subtle nuances of hops, malt and yeast. Most of the competitors have qualified through rigorous national selection processes, and the field is considered to be exceptionally strong on an international level.
Final Round Features a Blind Beer Presentation
On the second day, the top ten sommeliers will compete in a knockout format. In the final round, judged by an expert panel, the six remaining finalists will face a particularly demanding task: to analyse, interpret and present an unfamiliar beer. This segment combines expert knowledge, refined sensory perception and eloquent presentation skills.
Intensive Training Required Ahead of the Championship
“The national teams are in intense preparation. Training has never been so demanding. The level of performance in this field is extremely high, and tiny differences will determine the outcome,” said Jens Luckart of the Doemens Academy, which is organising the competition. Even during the preliminary stages, he explained, the margins between the top competitors are often minimal, making precise sensory analysis and clear communication absolutely essential.
Final Round Open to the Public at Messe München
The final event on 14 September 2025 will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Messe München exhibition grounds and will be open to the public. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness not only the refined craft of professional beer tasting but also how interpretations of beer vary across cultures. The event promises a vivid experience of how passionately experts around the world engage with hops, malt and yeast.
