Furthermore, it also took the title of the World’s Best Sirloin and the World’s Best Grain-Fed at the event, which was held at the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin.
After a full day’s judging, the Japanese Wagyu was a first-time entry from Japan and it is an A4 grade, 30-month-old female from Starzen Co.
It was raised in the Kagoshima region that houses a warm climate and abundant water. This ‘Akune Gold’ is carefully cultivated, resulting in the highest quality Wagyu steak.
In addition, the World’s Best Rib-Eye was awarded to Jack’s Creek from Australia – previous 2021 Best Fillet, Best Rib-Eye and Grain-Fed winners.
The 32-month-old purebred Wagyu was grain fed and impressed judges by its tenderness, juiciness and its buttery flavour.
The winning fillet steak was the MFC Carni female from Poland, which was grain fed and obtained by a cross breed of Polish Holstein and Black Angus. The meat is known for its intense flavours, sweet aroma and unique tenderness,
More entries than ever
A full bred Dexter from Linden Foods, Northern Ireland was awarded Best Grass-Fed steak in the world and judges praised it as very tender and rich.
The 2022 competition, which is now in its eighth year, had more entries than ever before from top steak producers and suppliers from across the globe.
Ireland took home the most medals with a total of 54, followed by England with 36 and Finland with 28.
This year’s event took place in conjunction with official host partner Bord Bia, equipment partner Synergy Grill Technology and judging partner FIRE Steakhouse.
More than 60 independent experts were included on the judging panel including TV chef and FIRE Steakhouse executive chef Richie Wilson as well as London’s Heliot Steak House meatologist and executive chef Ioannis Grammenos.
World Steak Challenge judge and editor of The Morning Advertiser Ed Bedington said: “We are thrilled to have a new winner for this year’s World Steak Challenge.
“It is very exciting to have our first Japanese entry and consequently, the winner of the World’s Best Steak.
“The vast number of entries from across the globe truly showcases the quality of steak on an international scale.”
Top quality beef
Bord Bia beef sector manager Mark Zieg welcomed producers from around the world to Ireland, where grass-fed and sustainable farming practices are core to its beef industry.
“We export 90%of our beer to more than 50 markets around the world, even as far as Japan and the USA so it is very important to get our origin known and be recognised on the basis of quality and taste,” he added.
“In an environment like the World Steak Challenge with top producers, chefs and judges we feel it is the ideal opportunity to share our values in producing top quality beef.”
Welcoming the event to Ireland and hosting the 2022 judging process was a privilege, according to FIRE Steakhouse culinary director Richie Wilson.
He said: “To have the world’s best beef cooked and served by our excellent team to a panel of industry experts was an absolute honour – a massive congratulations to all of the 2022 winners.”