International field at the 16th edition of the beer race “Pinkasova noční můra”

60 participants from eight European countries competed in one of the most demanding competitions in their profession. In the end, Petr Holec from Nová Ves pod Pleší prevailed on home soil.

Ten freshly poured beers, 41 steps and as little time lost as possible: once again, some of Europe’s best beer pourers competed against each other at Prague’s traditional U Pinkasů restaurant. At the 16th edition of the “Pinkasova noční můra” competition – roughly translated as “Pinkas’ Nightmare” – Petr Holec from the Statek U Kapličky restaurant in Nová Ves pod Pleší came out on top.

A total of 60 participants from the Czech Republic and other European countries took part. Alongside Czech participants, professionals from Italy, Estonia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Spain, Poland, Hungary and Latvia travelled to Prague.

Photo: Pilsner Urquell

The competition recalls an earlier form of serving beer at the U Pinkasů restaurant. At the time, the beer was poured in the cellar and carried from there to guests on the upper floors. This physically demanding task remains at the heart of the competition to this day.

Ten beers and 41 steps

In the preliminary round, participants must carry six correctly poured beers around a set course around the restaurant. The best then qualify for the final. There, ten beers are poured in the cellar using the traditional Czech “Hladinka” pouring method. The participants must then carry the glasses up 41 steps to the first floor. Speed alone is not decisive. The quality of the poured beer is also assessed. Penalty seconds are added to the overall time for mistakes when pouring or for losses during the run.

Photo: Pilsner Urquell

“Pinkasova noční můra shows very clearly that pouring beer properly is by no means something that can be taken for granted. It requires experience, concentration and respect for the craft,” said Karel Doubek, director of the operator Adria – Neptun, which includes Restaurace U Pinkasů.

Petr Holec wins the final

This year’s victory went to Czech Petr Holec from Statek U Kapličky. He completed the demanding final round in a time of 1:45.80 minutes. Daniel Hrdý from Prague restaurant U Bansethů finished in second place. Third place went to Petr Lepiarský from Pilsner Urquell: The Original Beer Experience.

Photo: Pilsner Urquell

The winner receives a voucher worth a symbolic 1,842 Czech crowns. The amount commemorates the year 1842, when the lager beer that would later become world-famous as Pilsner was first brewed in Pilsen. Holec also receives a 50-litre barrel of Pilsner Urquell. His name will also be immortalised on a leather beer pourer’s apron bearing the names of the competition’s previous winners.

Photo: Pilsner Urquell

Václav Berka, former head brewmaster at Plzeňský Prazdroj and chairman of the expert jury, particularly highlighted the craftsmanship behind the event. He said the competition brought together people who understood the proper handling of beer as a genuine craft. It was precisely through well-trained beer pourers that guests could enjoy beer at the best possible quality.