The concept of the World Butchers' Challenge is to develop an environment where butchers strive to exceed current industry practice in the areas of general workmanship, meat cutting, displaying, and the creative usage of beef, lamb, pork, and chicken product. Through this competition, a global community has been cemented with life-long friendships formed, business opportunities unlocked and the overall trade benefiting from an injection of creativity and innovation.

The competition itself is conducted over a three hour and fifteen minute period with competing teams given a side of beef, a side of pork, a whole lamb, and five chickens which they must then transform into a themed display of value-added products. Teams are allowed to provide their own seasonings, spices, marinades, and garnish to finish products that are designed to inspire and push the boundaries, yet which are also cookable and would sell in a retail setting. Independent judges score each team based on technique and skill, workmanship, product innovation, overall finish, and presentation.