Around the world, competitive oyster shucking has come of age. Winners at the local level progress to nationals, and those winners head to the World Oyster Opening Championships in Galway, Ireland. "Speed is only one element of a competition. Presentation is the other." I would lose very quickly on both. I can shuck but not very fast, and I always seem to be picking tiny bits of shell out before I serve them. But I don't mind because the pleasure of fresh oysters makes it all worth it.