We’ve gone virtual! The 2021 USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO will be unlike any bartending competition you’ve ever seen! Join us as the best of the best compete to become the 2021 World Class US Bartender of the Year!
Bartenders will shake and stir from coast to coast in four unique challenges as they compete for a chance to represent the US at the Global Finals in Madrid. The virtual broadcast features five days of exciting events, trend-led education, amazing panels, and of course, a fierce competition.
Register Now Attendee LoginUSBG Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO events are for guests 21+ only. Please Drink Responsibly.
Competition Overview
Day 1 - March 29, 12:00pm – 5:00pm EST
On Day 1 of the World Class US Finals, learn about this year’s challenges and the educational World Class Studios that inspired them. Take a behind the scenes look at how World Class has adapted to its first-ever virtual competition and hear from industry-leading panelists as they discuss the trends behind the competition challenges.
Day 2 - March 30, 12:00pm – 5:00pm EST
On Day 2 of the World Class US Finals, competitors from all five USBG regions will face off in the "Underground Agriculture: Back to My Roots" challenge sharing a personal story through their cocktail artistry that connects them to the audience and their roots. This challenge will test both their bartending and storytelling skills.
Day 3 - March 31, 12:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Day 3 of the World Class US Finals features the "Batched and Ready To Go" challenge. Competitors will create and demonstrate a recipe that can be produced consistently, batched, and safely transported for at-home enjoyment. These World Class bartenders will reveal their non-alcoholic "special ingredient" and provide a consumer-friendly tutorial.
Day 4 - April 1, 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
Welcome to the Finals! On Day 4 the Top 10 finalists will compete in the Menu Challenge by creating a menu of seven cocktails for a specific bar or restaurant concept. Each competitor will collaborate with a graphic designer to bring their menu to life and will describe their menu strategy to the judges.
Day 5 - April 6, 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST
It’s the big finale! It’s down to just the Top 5 finalists who will compete in one final challenge: the Speed Round! Watch as the bartenders make classic cocktails using the DIAGEO Reserve Portfolio as the judges look on. Learn who takes home the Judges’ Choice Awards and meet your 2021 US Bartender of the Year!
See all of the Education and Experiences available during the World Class US Finals
Katie Renshaw
2019 US Bartender of the Year
Andrew Meltzer
2016 US Bartender of the Year
Lauren Paylor
2019 National Finalist
While you’re waiting for the competition to begin, please visit the World Class Studios at DiageoBarAcademy.com, the online training platform designed to help bartenders of all skill levels to develop and refine their skills regardless of location or resource. Every session is packed with fun, interactive quiz elements, videos, insider knowledge and lively demonstrations from world-leading drinks professionals.
First Draft
Discover the history of the Scotch drinks, how to elevate your highball and closed loop practices with Johnnie Walker.
Punch Modernism
Why should you batch your drinks and what is the best way to extract flavor? Plus inspiration and tips on how to reduce waste when creating cocktails.
Underground Agriculture
Be immersed in the story of Don Julio Tequila, with inspiring new drinks and stories focusing on agave and other root crops.
World Class Menus
Hear from industry experts about what makes a world class menu including tips and tricks to build your bar menu and the future of menus.