World Class

World Class TOTCF Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO is on a mission to deliver best-in-class training and education while seeking the nation's best bartenders.

Please drink responsibly. Must be 21+ to follow. Please do not share with those under 21. More than a cocktail competition, USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO is rooted in providing trend-leading education and mentorship to bartenders of all skill-levels, while providing opportunities to celebrate their craft, creativity, and passion. The World Class competition is backed by the vast re

sources available on Diageo Bar Academy, which prepares competitors and trade members with the tools and knowledge to develop their skills both personally and professionally. Applications for the 2023 World Class US competition will be open from July 18th through November 15th, 2022. Stay tuned for more information on the application, mentorship opportunities, and more! One Drink Can Change Your Life. Must be 21+ to Participate. please do not share the content on this page to anyone under the legal purchase age of your country. Please Drink Responsibly. Community guidelines: https://bit.ly/DiageoGuideline

08/04/2026

House? Heavy metal? '80s hits? Old-school hip-hop? Whatever's on the speakers sets the tone for the shift. We asked the World Class Collective what's in rotation behind the bar. Now we're curious... What's your go-to?

MUST BE 21+. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

Every bartender has a story. The mentors who changed everything. The competitions that opened doors. Join World Class at...
07/16/2026

Every bartender has a story. The mentors who changed everything. The competitions that opened doors. Join World Class at Tales of the Cocktail for a day of conversations with the people who've lived it. Hear from industry leaders, World Class US 2023 Bartender of the Year Renato Tonelli, and 2025 Global Bartender of the Year Felice Capasso as they share the lessons and wins that helped shape their careers.
📍 Salon I, The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
🗓 July 23 | 10 AM–5 PM

MUST BE 21+. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

Meet us in New Orleans July 20-23, where we’ll be mixing up brand experiences, expert-led panel discussions, cocktail in...
07/15/2026

Meet us in New Orleans July 20-23, where we’ll be mixing up brand experiences, expert-led panel discussions, cocktail inspiration, and much more! Check out the full Tales of the Cocktail Schedule at the link in our bio and let us know if you’ll be there in the comments!

MUST BE 21+. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

06/30/2026

Whether you competed last month or a decade ago, the experience stays with you long after the last drink is poured. We asked the World Class Collective how the skills they developed leading up to and during the competition still show up in their work today.

MUST BE 21+. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

06/24/2026

Summer cocktails just hit different. The best? It depends on who you’re asking. Tell us what you’re pouring this season.

MUST BE 21+. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

06/17/2026

A cocktail tells a story. A visionary cocktail surprises you along the way. Congratulations to , recipient of the 2026 Mr Black Coffee Cocktail Visionary Award. By combining thoughtful flavor development with unexpected twists, Elliott created a cocktail that captured the creativity, innovation, and craft celebrated at World Class US.

MUST BE 21+. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

06/15/2026

Great bartending is more than what’s in the glass, it’s how you bring the story to life. Congratulations to , our 2026 Ketel One Heritage Challenge Champion. Through thoughtful research, compelling storytelling, and a deep understanding of brand heritage, Bridget demonstrated the power of connecting people to a cocktail through education, history, and hospitality.

MUST BE 21+. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

06/10/2026

Kai Lucas took home the Round Builder Award for the second year in a row. What brought him back and what did he learn along the way? Congrats .lucas14 you owned the round…again!

MUST BE 21+. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

06/08/2026

Each year, the finalists choose the person they think best embodies the ideals of hospitality and what it means to be World Class, but what makes someone a bartender’s bartender? For , it means having your fellow competitors’ back every time. Cheers to you, Makenzie! Thanks for being an inspiration to us all.

MUST BE 21+. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

06/04/2026

From first-time competitor to 2026 World Class US Bartender of the Year. Alexis Ortega represented Philadelphia with creativity, precision, and unforgettable hospitality, making an incredible World Class debut and earning a spot on the global stage. we’ll be cheering you on in Scotland.!

MUST BE 21+. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

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Chicago, IL

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