Günter Wirth

Bayern, Germany

How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?

I grew up in a brewery. Our family brewery was founded in 1747, and today my wife and I run the business in the 10th generation. From an early age, beer was not just a product to me, but part of everyday life. I helped out in the brewery and the hospitality side of the business and quickly learned how much craftsmanship, responsibility, and passion go into making good beer. Choosing this path felt natural—it was never just a job, but a calling.

Beer is a cultural asset, a craft, and a way to bring people together. Whether in our hotel, our traditional inn, or our large beer garden, beer creates moments of connection and enjoyment. As a brewer, I value the honesty of beer—there is nowhere to hide. With only a few raw materials, you can create something with real character. Balancing tradition with modern brewing knowledge is what continues to inspire me.

Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?

Judging at the World Beer Cup is both an honor and a responsibility. It is one of the most important international competitions for beer quality. As a brewer from a long-standing family brewery, I want to contribute my experience while remaining open to new styles, ideas, and brewing cultures from around the world. The professional exchange with fellow judges and brewers is extremely valuable.

Mitch Steele

Georgia, United States

How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?

I studied brewing science at UC Davis, and got into brewing a few years after I graduated. Beer matters to me because it tastes great, it requires artistic and scientific skill to make good beer, and it’s a socially beneficial beverage when used in moderation. Beer can enhance friendships, a sense of community, problem solving, and adds so much to fun activities. It’s been around forever and has been involved in life historical events worldwide. And the beer community and industry is amazing. We share information and techniques with each other, and the camaraderie is more than I’ve seen in any other industry.

Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?

I judge at World Beer Cup because it is one of the most prestigious international beer competitions in the world. The judges are world class, and I often learn something about beer styles and brewing techniques from many of them. It’s an absolute honor to be on this judging panel. I think I’ve missed one competition in the past 25 years. Being able to evaluate the best beers from all over the world is incredibly valuable. It helps me evaluate my own beers and improve them. And the networking with judging panels that are often more than 50% international provides opportunities for new friendships and learning.

Ignacio Curto

Buenos Aires, Argentina

How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?

I met beer as a consumer. Got mind blown with the first beer-country trips and as the craft beer scene started in my home town in Argentina. Then I had a brief homebrewer epoch during university. Meanwhile I was working in my PhD, had a trip to Czech Republic and England and there was no turning back. Started brewing again with a friend (2013) with the “commercial” objective of having beer as payment—the beer we wanted to drink. Although commonly used words, beer is a passion, a way of living, a job, a headache and on top on all that an extremely shareable drink and industry. I’ve left my previous aeronautical engineering job and my career in science after completing my PhD to have beer as a full time passion.

Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?

Got hooked on the WBC feeling the first time I attended to a CBC and a WBC Awards Ceremony Dinner (2018 – Nashville). Since then I’ve applied to be a judge because I wanted to have the experience, at least once, of judging among top level judges with world class beers. Since I also work for some beer competitions and understand the process of organizing an event of this scale, it’s an amazing experience.

What else would you like the world to know?

Beer is a beverage steeped in history, deeply connected to the dawn of civilization. Beyond that, it possesses a unique power to unite us socially. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to get to know people, places, breweries, and dreams through the world of beer.

Vasilios Gletsos

Vermont, United States

How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?

I was a puppeteer, touring around performing and started discovering classic beer styles from around the world. Also, I was really DIY oriented and fell in love with making beer at home. I got really into it after leaving Vermont and moving to Oregon, where I soon made the crossover into commercial brewing. Beer is deeply woven into the fabric of human social, cultural, scientific, and agricultural life. I love that about it and also how it stimulates my mind body and heart.

Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?

I really love the opportunity to meet new people who care as much as I do about this profession, and to reconnect with old friends. I enjoy testing my perceptions of beer and gaining new perspectives from other judges, as well as from the beers we judge. I also love the honor of tasting the best efforts of hard-working brewers.