The Diageo World Class Competition, launched in 2009, is an annual highlight with bartenders and cocktail lovers alike.

Since its launch, DIAGEO WORLD CLASS has been transforming fine drinking and cocktail culture around the world. Now in more than 60 countries, it has supported, educated and inspired more than 250,000 bartenders through its training and advocacy program.

Bartenders can submit their entries and compete in a series of cocktail challenges. The national Diageo World Class champions will then be given the once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country at the World Finals that will take place in Glasgow this year.

Why Glasgow?

Global Head of World Class Emily Wheldon, reveals: “We are hugely proud to be bringing the World Class Bartender of the Year global finals to Scotland, the home of so many of Diageo’s much-loved spirits. Glasgow will be an exciting hub for festivities and the perfect backdrop for the world’s best bartenders to show off their incredible talent.”

“Scotland is an amazing location to host the 11th World Class global finals – home to all our iconic Scotch including, Johnnie Walker, Talisker, The Singleton, and Mortlach. For the world’s best bartenders to compete at the home of so many of their favorite spirits will add a brilliant extra incentive to this year’s competition. The west coast of Scotland, in particular, holds a special place in the story of many of these brands. It was here that nearly 200 years ago brands like Johnnie Walker first left Scotland on their journey to bring their iconic taste to the four corners of the world.”, Christine McCafferty, manager of Diageo’s archives, adds.

In Switzerland, the search for the best barman 2019, the person who will represent our country at the world finals already kicked off with roadshow-style events in every language region of our Alpine nation. For the occasion, many renown Bartenders are helping young talents with the preparation: coaching, sharing tips and tricks, encouraging…

In the course of these workshops, all the competing bartenders have to create their own cocktail recipe based on a selection of spirit from the Diageo Reserve portfolio. If they manage to convince the jury composed of Brand Ambassadors Andreas Walch and Vincent Dumesnil, thanks to their know-how, their creativity, and their knowledge, they will obtain their qualification for the National Final that will take place this summer in Zurich.

It is the same in Austria and Germany. In the national finals, the best bartenders will face tough challenges. The winners will then represent their country at the World Finals in Glasgow this September and maybe become the next World Class Bartender of the Year.

All in all, more than 10,000 bartenders worldwide are expected to participate in this 11th edition. From round to round… only the best will proceed.

We are now at the semi-finals stage and excited to see who will make it! Several of our friends are participating again this year – either as contestants or coaches – and we cross our fingers for all of them, of course!