Everything you need to know about the Diageo Global World Class Finals in Toronto

Launched in 2009, the Diageo World Class bartending competition has become the Olympics of bartending. Every year, mixologists around the world compete for the title of Bartender of the Year. The challenges begin on a regional scale in each country, followed by national finals. This year, Canada’s Kate Chernoff took the title of Canada’s Bartender of the Year at World Class Canada national finals in Blue Mountain.

The national finals and international finals are a multi-day competition, culminating with the final challenge during which the winner is named in real time. The winning bartender becomes the face of World Class, travelling the world for international competitions as a judge and hosting pop-up events and learning sessions for the international bar community. Needless to say, the competition is not for amateurs. Bartenders train for months in advance and often enter multiple years in a row for a chance at the title. In 2024, Keegan McGregor from Halifax took the global title; the year before, Jacob Martin from Toronto went all the way on his first try.

The final challenge, even on the national scale, is a huge celebration. Friends, family, and the public are invited to witness the competition rounds in person while sipping cocktails created by previous years’ winners. “World Class celebrates innovation, craftsmanship, and the extraordinary talent that shapes the global bartending community,” commented Michael Armistead, Diageo Canada’s National Reserve and Sponsorship Manager. “Every year, we are thrilled to contribute to the evolution of cocktail culture and hospitality in Canada, creating memorable experiences for guests,” he added.

For the first time in the history of competition, Global World Class Finals are coming to Canada. The events will take place from September 28th to October 2nd in Toronto, welcoming 56 global finalists and over 1,000 international guests. To kickstart the celebration, multiple venues across Canada have added cocktail creations from past global and national winners to their menus in a month-long celebration called World Class Cocktail Festival. Throughout the competition week, industry members will also have access to The Industry Forum on September 29 and a series of cocktail labs on September 28th and October 2nd.

Diageo World Class Canadian winners: Kaitlyn Stewart (2017, middle image), James Grant (2021, middle image). Jacob Martin (2023, on the left) and Keegan McGregor (2024, on the right). Image courtesy of CNW Group/Diageo.

World Class Cocktail Festival

World Class Cocktail Festival is taking place from August 16th to October 3rd across Canada. Participating bars are spread across Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Whistler, Penticton, Halifax, Toronto, Montréal, and Saskatoon. As host city, Toronto will welcome guest shifts by the world’s best bartenders across its best bars, host special events, and offer drink experiences. Start dates vary per location.

See the map of all participating cocktail festival venues coast to coast across Canada.

Consumer events & Pop-up bars

Ketel One After Dark
September 27 to October 1
Dineen Coffee Co., 140 Yonge St, Toronto
Featuring Benja Padron Novoa, Lorenzo Antorini, Kate Boushel, Jimmy Greek
Tickets & reservations

For 5 nights only, Ketel One After Dark unites the baristas from Dineen Coffee Co. and globally acclaimed bartenders to create the perfect cocktail. The immersive after-hours cocktail event spotlights their expertise and craft to serve up the most incredible Espresso Martinis that Toronto has ever seen. A dynamic and interactive celebration that will show the art and dedication behind each serve.

Don Julio 1942 Mini Bar Speakeasy Experience
September 28 to October 1
NOBU, 25 Mercer St., Toronto
Featuring Israel Baron
Tickets & reservations

This exclusive event invites guests to an intimate mini bar designed for two, hidden within NOBU’s luxurious ambience. Here, guests will witness the mastery of Israel Baron, Mexico’s World Class cocktail competition winner, as he crafts bespoke cocktails using Don Julio 1942 minis. Complementing this journey is a choice of gourmet appetisers from NOBU’s renowned menu, curated to enhance each moment of indulgence.

Guest shifts in bars across Canada

World Class Labs

Born to Ferment: An engaging session led by renowned mixologists, Massimo Zitti and Erik Lorincz. This lab will explore the application of fermentation techniques in a drink program, Lacto-fermentation vs Forced fermentation vs Symbiotic fermentation, and the sustainable aspects of fermentation.
Sunday, September 28th, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Mother Cocktail Bar – 874 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Tickets

The Art of Distillation: An insightful session featuring Massimo Zitti, Eric van Beek, and a Buchi Engineer. This lab will delve into how the Buchi Roto Evaporator works and how it can significantly contribute to a cocktail program.
Sunday, September 28th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Mother Cocktail Bar – 874 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Tickets

The Art of No & Low: Presented by Seedlip and led by industry experts, Kaitlyn Stewart and Christina Veira. This lab will discuss the change in consumer behaviour with the rise of moderation, how to craft balanced & flavourful No & Low cocktails, and the benefits of elevated No & Low cocktails.
Sunday, September 28th, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Civil Works – 50 Brant St, Toronto, ON
Tickets

Iconic Martinis: The Tomatini, the Espresso Martini, & the Filthy Martini. This lab will feature Dennis Tamse and Lorenzo Antinori as they discuss the techniques and the stories behind these three iconic cocktails.
Thursday, October 2nd, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Civil Works – 50 Brant St, Toronto, ON
Tickets

Water – A Deep Dive: Join Dr. Emma Walker, Tim Philips-Johansson, and Nick Kennedy for an exploration of how Scotland’s diverse waters, and unique habitats influence the flavor profiles in Johnny Walker Blue Label through tastings with three different waters.
Thursday, October 2nd, 12:15 PM – 1:45 PM
Civil Works – 50 Brant St, Toronto, ON
Tickets

Layers of Harmony: Lorena Vasquez and Vanessa Leon will lead attendees through a series of curated pairings using Ron Zacapa, exploring the principles behind certain combinations and how to translate these ingsights into cocktail & culinary design.
Thursday, October 2nd, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Civil Works – 50 Brant St, Toronto, ON
Tickets

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Competition events

Over the course of the week, competitors will be pushed to demonstrate precision, creativity, and storytelling, all while showcasing their mastery of iconic Diageo Reserve brands such as Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, Ketel One, and Tanqueray No. TEN. The competition challenges can be gruelling and often take place behind closed doors or by invitation only.

Tuesday, September 30th

• Hop Scotch challenge with Johnnie Walker Black Label. The competitors are tasked with re-imagining a classic cocktail through the transformative power of scotch with a three-serve menu: one long drink, one short serve, and a one straight-up cocktail.
• Modern Icon challenge with Tanqueray No. TEN. The task is to create a brand-new modern classic, taking inspiration from a golden moment in history, something that brings a smile or something that has changed the world for the better.
• Digital Galeria challenge with Don Julio 1942. Bartenders are challenged to create a drink that represents their personal artwork. Judges, finalists, and guests will come together to enjoy mini 1942 cocktails inspired by the bartenders’ interpretation of personalised AI-generated artworks.

Wednesday, October 1st

• The Sensory Sessions with The Singleton of Dufftown 21-Year-Old. Multisensory cocktail experience where music and mixology converge to create unforgettable moments. Competitors will design a custom record sleeve, press a track and pair it with a signature Singletong cocktail.
• Farmhouse challenge with Ketel One. This is a secret challenge, but historically, Ketel One challenges have a sustainable component.

The top 10 finalists will be announced at the end of the day.

Thursday, October 2nd

• Semi-final: Top 10 challenge
• Final: Top 3 challenge

The global winner is announced at the end of the day. Surrounded by their friends and family, the winner will step into their new role showered with cheers, confetti, and champagne.