The speed and quality of the tapping makes the Pinkas nightmare competition unique and prestigious. Both criteria were evaluated this year by an expert panel of renowned personalities: Vaclav Berka, Head Brewer Emeritus of Plzeňský Prazdroj, Tomáš Babici, saloon legends of U Pinkasů restaurant and Tomáš Mráz, Honorary Connoisseur Pilsner Urquell.

The races kicked off at one o’clock in the afternoon of qualifying. The 25 saloons with 6 pints pumped completed the route to the area in front of the pub, the 15 fastest advanced to the evening finale. This was run just as in the old days with ten hand-drafted large beers from the cellar to the first floor of the Prague restaurant. “Pilsner Urquell prides itself on the quality of the beer and its proper drafting. That’s why we appreciate the enthusiasm and interest of the bartenders who try to give the guest the best experience in a pint. Saloons At Pinkas, they were role models in beer care back in the 19th century, and their determination to bring their guest perfectly drafted beer as quickly as possible, even up the stairs from the cellar, inspired us for the new tradition of “Running” which is meant to be an entertainment and experience for every bartender,” says Václav Berka, head brewer emeritus of Plzeňský Prazdroj.

The winner of this year’s Pinkas nightmare was deservedly Jacek Maliszewski from Polish restaurant Restauracja Česka with a time of 1:33:31. “I’m very pleased, of course, Pinkas’s nightmare has a special place in my heart. After the surgeries in 2018, when I was learning to walk again, I won the Moth for the first time in a year. It was such a satisfaction to be back and be able to do what I enjoy. The fact that I won again this year is an unreal feeling. I’m really proud,” the winner Jacek Maliszewski expresses his feelings. Last year’s winner, Lukas Pešík, took silver from the Red Jelen restaurant in Prague and a nice third place was won by Jakub Stach from restaurant U Pinkasů with a time of 1:37:34.

The winner of this unique race becomes part of The Pinkas Restaurant’s famous tradition. His name is written on a leather saloon apron that lists all the winners from previous years. In addition to the prestigious entry, the main prize for the winner is a voucher worth 1842CZK and a 50 litre barrel of Pilsner Urquell beer.