Reuben Wraps Up an Epic Ride in Paris

World Butchers' Challenge 2025, Paris

The World Butchers’ Challenge in Paris was an absolutely amazing event. It’s where the world’s best put their skills to the ultimate test in a high-pressure showdown of craftsmanship, speed and creativity. Held at the iconic Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, the challenge runs for three and a half intense hours, with each team transforming a side of beef, a side of pork, a whole lamb and five chickens into a themed display of value-added products. The Hellers Sharp Blacks are the best teammates and management you could ask for, and I’m proud of everything we put into this journey. We gave it everything we had and left nothing behind in that arena.

A huge shoutout to our incredible sponsors, none of this would’ve been possible without you. We’re lucky to have the backing of some incredible businesses who believe in the talent and craft of Kiwi butchers. Massive thanks to our naming rights sponsor Hellers, and to Rum and Que, Victory Knives, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, NZ Pork and Multivac. Your support gave us the opportunity to train, travel and compete on the world stage. For more about the amazing sponsors who backed the Hellers Sharp Blacks, check out this page.

While we didn’t make it into the top three, I’m holding my head high knowing we put up the best display we could on the day. If anything, this has only made me more determined. Bring on 2028!

I just want to say a massive thanks for all the support I’ve had over the past couple of years, it truly means the world. I'm also super grateful for the team that keeps the sausage slinging at Aussie Butcher New Lynn while I'm away representing New Zealand.

Reuben is a veteran member of the Hellers Sharp Blacks and the President of the New Zealand Retail Meat Board. Aussie Butcher New Lynn is Google’s Number #1 rated Best Butcher in Auckland.