Changes announced to the World Barista Championships

World Coffee Events (WCE) has announced the evolution of the World Barista Championships (WBC), with the changes coming into effect for next year’s event which is due to be held in Dublin, Ireland.

Announced at the end of last week, definitions have been tweaked slightly and a couple of new technical partners have been announced. As has an exciting looking new espresso machine.

“The changes we’re announcing represent exciting steps towards a new [World Barista Championships],” said Stephen Morrissey, the chair of the Competition Working Group.

One of the biggest changes in the tournament’s structure sees a new emphasis added on milk-based concoctions. With the speciality coffee scene booming the world over, the organisers have opted to stray away from a strict, cappuccino-centric parameter and have decided to embrace the fast paced nature of the current market. In reality, this will allow entrants to showcase a wide range of drinks such as the popular flat white, as well as those traditional favourites.

“After fifteen years of focusing on a single definition of a milk drink on the WBC stage, we think it’s time to open up the milk beverage course to something that better represents where we are today as an industry: open-minded,” the WCE said in a statement.

The other announced change in the competition sees the introduction of Mahlkonig who will bring thirty K30 Vario grinders to Dublin, one for each of the competitors. There will be a new machine too; the impressive looking Victoria Arduino Black Eagle.

“Based on the high performance criteria of the qualified testing process, the equipment provided at each WBC competition station sets the highest industry standard,” commented Mike Yung, the WBC’s 2015 Chair.

There will also be a complete Qualified Kit, which will be uniform for all the competitors. The WCE has announced that this shift will intensify the focus the quality of the drinks and the skills and passions showcased by each barista.

And that isn’t all. Further alterations to the WBC’s format will be announced during this year’s event in Seattle.

“Our community has always been highly invested in the future of the competition,” noted Morrissey.