I gotta say - the UK guy, charming though he may have been, didn't give the best performance. Out of the competitors that we both saw, I would have to say that the South Korean dude was definitely the most badass. I wish I could have stayed for the Puerto Rican guy. I do love a good train wreck now and again. That's kind of an odd statement though -- the one concerning iced drinks -- you would think that cold beverages would be popular in a tropical climate. Anyway, kudos to you for getting the pics!

Nice pics. Wish I could've seen more of the competition. Zoka did not actually donate the (super sexy) espresso machines. They were on loan from Espresso Specialists Inc, who is the exclusive importer of La Marzocco espresso machines (which happen to be, hands down, the best around). However, Zoka did purchase one of them, even though they are not yet available for retail. Right now it is sitting in storage at the roastery but if I can ever find time I'm gonna set it up and play with it.

I've had the chance to glance at the WBC judges manual. The judges are instructed to keep plain expressions throughout the presentation, especially when tasting drinks. The concern is that expressions can be misinterpereted as favoratism or prejudice. I think limited comunication between the judges and competetors is allowed during the presentation but it seems to be generally agreed upon that the judges just remain silent and stoic.

Probably more than you wanted to know but there ya go!