JOIN US IN CHICAGO
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Presents World Class Sponsored By DIAGEO is a year-round educational platform that culminates in a premier global bartending competition.
Forget everything you know about "standard" competitions. At World Class, we’re diving into three electric days of high-stakes cocktails, raw creativity, and pure hospitality.
MAY 11-13, 2026
WORLD CLASS US
2026 WORLD CLASS US COMPETITION
The search for the nation’s top bartender lands in Chicago. And this is where it all unfolds.
The Top 15 National Finalists step into three days of high-stakes competition—where every challenge pushes the limits of precision, storytelling, and speed. This isn’t just about making great drinks. It’s about delivering under pressure, owning the moment, and proving you belong here.
Round by round, the field narrows. The tension builds. And it all leads to one defining moment—when one bartender is crowned the 2026 World Class US Bartender of the Year.
But it doesn’t stop there.
The winner goes on to represent the United States at the World Class Global Finals—taking on the best bartenders from over 50 countries, on the biggest stage there is.
WORLD CLASS PROGRAM OVERVIEW
World Class is more than just a competition – it’s a chance for bartenders to get inspired, learn, and find community. For 16 years, World Class has been the definitive force in evolving cocktail culture and championing the global hospitality industry.
This year-round movement dedicated heighten the craft of bartending by providing trend-leading training, exclusive mentorship from industry icons, and a foundational community built on shared craft.
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WORLD CLASS COCKTAIL FESTIVAL
The World Class Cocktail Festival is where the spirit of the US Competition spills out into the streets of Chicago. We’re transforming the city into an immersive cocktail destination for both industry masters and enthusiasts. From legendary institutions to hidden gems, explore our curated list of Chicago’s best bars and restaurants to experience a World Class cocktail for yourself
JOIN US IN CHICAGO
Be part of the action at our competition home base, Offshore Rooftop. Join us to cheer on your favorite competitors and immerse yourself in a world of premium spirits and cutting-edge hospitality. Our World Class brands will be taking over the space throughout the week to provide unforgettable experiences and delicious cocktails - so there is always something new to discover.
2026 WORLD CLASS US COMPETITION
The search for the nation’s top bartender brings us to Chicago!
Here, our Top 15 National Finalists will face off in a series of heart-pumping challenges - each designed to test their technical precision, captivating storytelling, and lightning-fast speed. The battle will culminate with the ultimate honor: crowning the 2026 World Class US Bartender of the Year.
The stakes couldn't be higher, as the winner earns the prestigious opportunity to represent the United States at the World Class Global Finals, competing against the best from over 50 countries on the world stage.
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WORLD CLASS PROGRAM OVERVIEW
World Class is more than just a competition – it’s a chance for bartenders to get inspired, learn, and find community. For 16 years, World Class has been the definitive force in evolving cocktail culture and championing the global hospitality industry.
This year-round movement dedicated heighten the craft of bartending by providing trend-leading training, exclusive mentorship from industry icons, and a foundational community built on shared craft.
WORLD CLASS COCKTAIL FESTIVAL
The World Class Cocktail Festival is where the spirit of the US Competition spills out into the streets of Chicago. We’re transforming the city into an immersive cocktail destination for both industry masters and enthusiasts. From legendary institutions to hidden gems, explore our curated list of Chicago’s best bars and restaurants to experience a World Class cocktail for yourself
JOIN US IN CHICAGO
Be part of the action at our competition home base, Offshore Rooftop. Join us to cheer on your favorite competitors and immerse yourself in a world of premium spirits and cutting-edge hospitality. Our World Class brands will be taking over the space throughout the week to provide unforgettable experiences and delicious cocktails - so there is always something new to discover.
SCHEDULE
OPEN TO ALL 21+ SEE THE COMPETITION LIVE
CHALLENGES
Top 15 National Challenges
TOP 5 FINALS CHALLENGES
CHALLENGES
Click each challenge to learn more.
Hover over each challenge to learn more about each challenge.
Top 15 National Challenges
KETEL ONE
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The Heritage Serve
This one gets personal.
Every bartender brings something with them— where they’re from, who taught them, or what shaped their point of view.
This challenge is about putting that into the glass.
A drink rooted in their personal story, built on the signature character and distilling legacy of Ketel One Vodka.
MR BLACK
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Beyond the Espresso Martini
Coffee cocktails—led by modern classics like the espresso martini—have become a defining force in today’s cocktail culture.
This challenge is about what comes next.
Using Mr Black, competitors are building the next wave of coffee cocktails— drinks that feel current now, but built to last.
Originality matters. Balance matters. And it needs to work in a real bar and beverage program.
DIAGEO BRANDS
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Speed Round
No extra time.
No extra hands.
Six drinks.
Eight minutes.
Menus need to make sense. Builds need to be clean. And through all of it—you still need to show real hospitality.
This is where our competitors show us how they deliver under pressure.
TOP 5 FINALS CHALLENGES
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DON JULIO BLANCO
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Built on Blanco
Don Julio Blanco meets a mystery box of ingredients.
Create a cocktail that earns its place—through creativity, precision, and purpose.
TANQUERAY NO. TEN
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TEN: Tailored
Tanqueray No. TEN and a prompt revealed on site.
Craft a personalized serve while showcasing the distinctive character of the spirit.
OFFSHORE ROOFTOP
NAVY PIER, CHICAGO, IL
