The World Wrap Masters Europe 2022 far surpassed expectations in terms of the level of wrapping quality and talent from competitors that descended on Messe Berlin to take part in the final regional event at the World Wrap Masters Final 2022.
With a place in the FESPA World Wrap Masters Final 2022 up for grabs, competition was intense, with a whole host of gifted and skills wrappers vying for the last spot in the final and the chance to compete with the best wrappers from around the world.
After two days of fierce, but incredibly good-natured, competition, Mike Szwacki from MEK Wrap Squad KYD in the UK was crowned champion of the FESPA World Wrap Masters Europe 2022 and progressed to the final.
“I was absolutely buzzing to have won the FESPA World Wrap Masters Europe 2022; it was the one I have really been waiting for, having started competing in the FESPA World Wrap Masters back in London in 2013,” Szwacki said.
“I love the competition and meeting with all the other competitors. We’re a big wrapping family and love to see each other all the time.”
A veteran of the industry, having worked in the vinyl sector for about 15 years and wrapped for 11 years, Szwacki has competed in several previous editions of the FESPA World Wrap Masters, but the buzz of taking part remains the same each year.
“Winning was the obviously main highlight for me, but every round was a real challenge for me as a professional wrapper,” Szwacki said. “Getting through each round and into the final was great.
“This is what makes the FESPA World Wrap Masters great as it is focused on individuals and allows people to show off their own high level of skills.”
Skills and experience
Just missing out on first place was Vit Simek from Autopolepy Kolin in the Czech Republic, who finished second. Another highly skilled wrapper with more than 13 years of experience in the industry, Simek said he was delighted to have been recognised as one of the top wrappers in Europe.
“It’s a big thrill for me, especially because of the level of competition that was here over the two days,” Simek said. “When I learnt that I was one of the top four wrappers in the whole of the competition, I didn’t expect to rank so highly, and I was so happy that I made it.”
Simek is one of the hardest working professionals in the wrapping sector, working Monday to Sunday in his wrap shop to produce all manner of wraps. He said that by taking part in the FESPA World Wrap Masters allow him to further improve his skills as a wrapper.
“At the FESPA World Wrap Masters, I get to meet with all the best wrappers and there is no other competition that would allow me to do this,” Simek said. “Taking part in a FESPA World Wrap Masters competition, you really benefit from the skill and experience that people share.
“It is also a huge promotion for me as a wrapper; when I work for companies and tell them I was a winner in this competition, it is a big advantage for me.”
Ranking third in the FESPA World Wrap Masters Europe 2022 was Simon Jokumsen of Folie Fashion in Denmark, another entrant who has taken part in the competition on a number of previous occasions.
“Finishing third means that I am doing well,” Jokumsen said. “I really want to win and finish first, so I will try again, but it feels really good to come third this year.”
Celebrating 10 years in the wrapping industry this year, Jokumsen said the FESPA World Wrap Masters has been a huge part of his professional wrapping career and helped him to make valuable friendships that have lasted over the years.
“I love to take part in the competition and test my skills and to meet with other people,” he said. “I met up with around 30 people I have known from over the years.”
Looking ahead
With the FESPA World Wrap Masters Europe and Final 2022 competitions behind us, attention now turns not only to the competitions occurring in 2023, but also FESPA’s brand new event in the form of the Wrap Fest.
Taking place for the first time from 26-28 April at Silverstone, the iconic home of the British Grand Prix, Wrap Fest Silverstone 2023 will help to connect, educate, and advance wrap and detailing professionals in the UK and Ireland.
During the event, the FESPA World Wrap Masters UK & Ireland 2023 will take place with 36 wrappers competing for the chance to compete in the World Wrap Masters Final 2023 in Munich at FESPA Global Print Expo 2023.
or more information on the new Wrap Fest event, please click here.