Wiesn Courage Award 2025
The winner of the Wiesn Courage Award, presented as part of the WiesnGentleman* prevention project, has been chosen! From all the entries, it was the courageous story of Michael S. that was selected by the jury. Third Mayor Verena Dietl, representing Mayor Dieter Reiter, announced the winner today at the Käfer Wiesn-Schänke. Michael received a new traditional costume as the main prize.
The Wiesn Courage Story: Courageous Intervention
Last Thursday, Michael S. (33) from Munich noticed a woman on his way home from Oktoberfest who appeared to be heavily intoxicated and could barely walk unaided. At the same time, he noticed that two men were watching her closely. Concerned for the woman's safety, Michael S. decided to intervene. He spoke to her, stabilized her, and led her away from the men who were watching her. He then took her to the nearest police bus and handed her over to the emergency services. Thanks to his prudent actions, Michael S. may have prevented a dangerous situation and ensured that the woman received professional care.
Don't look away, look closely
“Looking and helping when someone needs support is a matter of course for me,” says Michael S. “In that situation, it was simply important to me that the woman was safe.” Verena Dietl emphasized: “As mayor, I am always very moved when there are people in our society who look out for others. Especially in these times, it is more important than ever to get involved and take action.” For Dietl, the winner Michael S. is a role model: “I hope that his courageous actions will inspire others to do the same. That they won't look away, but will look and not leave people in need to fend for themselves.”
Frederik Kronthaler, CEO of Condrobs, emphasized the importance of respect and moral courage: "With the WiesnGentleman* prevention project and the Wiesn Courage Award, we want to motivate more people to look and help. Respectful and responsible behavior is the basis for good coexistence. Moral courage often manifests itself in small moments: when you remain attentive, recognize that someone needs help, and react calmly. Those who look out for others help to ensure that the Wiesn remains a safe and peaceful place for everyone." That is exactly what the Wiesn Courage Award is for.
Lucky winner of the Wiesn Courage Award
Winner Michael S. reacted modestly: “I didn't expect to win. If someone obviously needs help, I help them—that's a matter of course for me. Nevertheless, I'm delighted about the award. Perhaps it will encourage others to show moral courage.”
What distinguishes a Wiesn Courage Award winner?
Whether it's helping in dangerous situations or promoting peaceful coexistence, respect and moral courage have many faces. Anyone who remains calm in heated situations, respects personal boundaries, and is helpful to others deserves this award. Moral courage does not mean putting yourself in danger, but rather getting help. Condrobs presents the Wiesn Courage Award on behalf of the many people who work to ensure a peaceful Oktoberfest.
Prominent jury selects winner
This year's jury, consisting of WiesnGentleman* chief ambassador Stefan Murr (actor), Johanna Bittenbinder (actress), Max von Thun (actor), Silja Steinberg (Wiesnwirtin of the Höfbräuzelt) and her son Niklas Steinberg, Otto Lindinger (Wiesnwirt of Bodo's Cafézelt & Cocktailbar and spokesperson for the small Wiesnzelte) and Clarissa Käfer (Feinkost Käfer) has selected the winner of the Wiesn Courage Award 2025 from the experiences submitted.
Condrobs promotes respect and moral courage at Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a place full of encounters, joy, and community—and sometimes also a place where it is important to take a stand. To ensure that exuberant celebrations do not turn into assaults, but rather into a wonderful gathering, Condrobs promotes respect, fairness, and moral courage with its prevention project WiesnGentleman* and Wiesn-Streetwork.
Under the patronage of Mayor Dieter Reiter, the staff at the stand on Esperantoplatz make it clear every day: respect is the key to a successful festival. They engage visitors in conversation with simple messages such as “respect boundaries, treat each other fairly and respectfully.”
Every year, the prevention campaigns—from stand visits and posters in subway stations to workshops in schools and youth centers—reach more than 700,000 people. “If even one person stops, looks, or intervenes, we have already achieved a lot,” says Frederik Kronthaler.
A special moment is the Wiesn Courage Award, which honors those who have shown through their courageous intervention that looking away is not an option. People who stand by a victim, get help, or prevent worse things from happening by taking a clear stance are thus in the spotlight – the silent heroes of the Wiesn.
The project is complemented by Wiesn Streetwork. Street workers are available directly on the festival grounds to listen, provide support in conflicts, or help in emergencies quickly and easily.
“Oktoberfest is a celebration of joie de vivre. To ensure that it remains so for everyone, we need respect, solidarity, and the courage not to look away—that's what WiesnGentleman* and Streetwork stand for,” emphasizes Frederik Kronthaler, Managing Director of Condrobs.
Close cooperation with the “Sichere Wiesn” project, the police, emergency services, and the youth protection department of the city youth welfare office enables immediate, rapid, and concrete prevention and assistance.
