Australia

is a highly respected Australian butcher whose contributions have shaped the butchery industry both locally and internationally. Not only a skilled craftsman, Shannon also serves as the team manager of the Australian squad competing at the World Butchers’ Challenge, leading their preparations for the 2025 edition in Paris with a coach’s precision and strategic insight.

Over the years, he has organized more than 25 Butcher Wars events across the globe, offering butchers a dynamic platform to demonstrate their skill under pressure. He is also the creator of The Butcher’s Cook Book, a crowdfunded project that brought together 50 of Australia’s top butchers, each contributing two original recipes that celebrate technique, creativity, and pride in the trade.

Further expanding his impact, Shannon launched an online lamb challenge through the Butchers Alliance, inviting butchers from around the world to showcase their mastery of retail cuts in an accessible, global format. Committed to strengthening the Australian butchery community, he continues to advocate for the craft and the people behind it, earning recognition as a passionate promoter of skill, tradition, and innovation in the meat industry.

Italy

(born 1978) is one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Italian butchery, admired for his determination, technical mastery, and unmistakable presence both behind the counter and on the public stage. A third-generation butcher, Gianni began honing his craft at the age of eleven, continuing a family tradition with passion and discipline.

He is the founder and Vice President of the Italian National Butchers Team and currently serves as President of the Agrigento Butchers Association. His commitment to the profession goes beyond practice: Gianni is also a mentor and trainer for young butchers in Italy and abroad, nurturing talent and raising standards across borders. His media presence has further amplified his influence, notably as a television judge on The Golden Steak competition, aired on the Food Network.

Recognized internationally for his achievements, Gianni has earned titles such as Best Sicilian Butcher (2019) and Butcher of the Year (2024), and has represented Italy on prestigious platforms including the All Star Teams in California (2022) and Paris (2025). He was also named Best Lamb Producer in California and ranked among the Top 25 Butcher Wars competitors in Ascot (2024). As an international judge for the World Butchers’ Challenge in both 2022 and 2025 (Apprentice & Young categories), and a European judge in Augusta, Germany, Gianni continues to set benchmarks for excellence.

Through his charisma, professionalism, and deep-rooted passion for the trade, Gianni Giardina stands as a true role model for the next generation of butchers around the world.

Romania

Marius is the man behind Zimbria – a brand that’s all about honesty, quality, and a deep respect for animals and craft. He’s part butcher, part storyteller, always looking for that perfect balance between tradition and innovation. If it’s smoked, aged or handmade, he’s probably already thought of a better way to do it. In the Elite Butchers team, he served as culinary designer, shaping not just what was on the plate, but how it told a story.

Greece

With over 30 years of hands-on experience in the meat industry,Panayotis Mariolis is one of Greece’s most respected professionals in the field. From production and retail to staff training and consulting, his work combines deep technical skill with creativity and a modern vision for butchery. He is the founder of Mister Meat, a consultancy focused on shop layout, staff development, and meat display design for butcheries across Greece.

Between 2017 and 2021, Panayotis served as Head Instructor at Meat Pro, a private butchery school where he trained the next generation of Greek butchers, blending theory with real-world expertise. Earlier in his career, he owned and operated his own butcher shop and managed multiple retail meat departments in Athens and beyond.

Internationally, he represented Greece as a member of the National Butchery Team at the World Butchers’ Challenge in Ireland (2018), where he earned the award for Best Burger in the World. Panayotis Mariolis remains a passionate advocate for innovation in meat preparation, visual merchandising, and customer-centered service.

As a jury member for Transylvania Butcher Wars, he brings a rare combination of discipline, creativity, and mentorship, ready to recognize not just flawless technique, but true potential.

Romania

A true community butcher, Gelu brings passion and purpose together every day at the Cluj Social Canteen. With decades of hands-on experience, he’s a master of turning whole carcasses into stories, meals, and learning moments. He believes meat is meant to nourish – the body, the culture, and the craft.  In the Elite Butchers team, he was advisor and recipe creator – the kind of guy who’ll teach you as he feeds you. Also, he might be the only man in Transylvania with a PhD in Black Angus. No bull.

Germany

The butcher's trade is literally in his blood. As the fourth generation of a livestock dealer and butcher family, Holger has supplied his national and international customers with the finest meat, thus providing them with true enjoyment. He has been self-employed as a meat dealer since 2011 and is highly valued in the meat industry as an experienced consultant. With his commitment, he aims to contribute to species-appropriate animal husbandry and processing in the industry: "The idea is that I want to actively improve production conditions and animal welfare."

The butcher's trade has fascinated him since childhood. By pursuing his passion, he can give free rein to his innovative spirit and creativity. He particularly appreciates the constant challenges he encounters in his profession and serves as a jury member at the World Butchers’ Challenge. Holger consistently exceeds his own expectations, making him a particularly daring member of the Butcher wolf pack—the one who dances with the wolf!