EXPERIENCE A WORLD CLASS EDUCATION

USBG Presents World Class Sponsored By DIAGEO is more than just the world's premier bartending competition— it's a chance to get inspired, learn, and find community. With engaging challenges inspired by trends and grounded in the know-how of Diageo Bar Academy's unparalleled resources, World Class bartenders have the chance to gain the tools that will take their careers to the next level.

World Class offers the opportunity for cocktail enthusiasts of all skill levels and backgrounds to stretch themselves, experience the global camaraderie of industry professionals, and evolve into more confident bartenders. All that starts with an application.

The application period for the 2024 World Class US Competition is now closed. Follow @WorldClassUS on Instagram for competition updates, recipes, and inspiration all year long!

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Renato Tonelli with Shaker

Key Dates for 2024

US 2024 Top 100
December 2023
Submissions will be paper-judged by World Class Judges to determine and announce the 2024 Top 100 this Winter.
US 2024 Top 30
FEBRUARY 2024
The Top 100 will create and submit a recipe in response to a new challenge prompt. These will be created on-site, tasted, and scored by World Class Judges.
US 2024 Competition
SPRING 2024
The National & Finals Competitions will take place at a combined event. Here, the Top 30 will compete in brand new challenges to determine the 2024 World Class US Bartender of the Year.
Global Finals
SUMMER 2024
The 2024 World Class US Bartender of the Year will represent the United States in the World Class Global Finals.
World Class Studios

Diageo Bar Academy, also known as DBA, provides members with a wealth of information to raise the bar and better their careers. Membership is free and includes access to bar news, cocktail trends, drink inspiration, and much more! DBA is also home to World Class Studios, a series of bartender training sessions, crafted by some of the world's best bartenders, drink professionals, and creatives. Every session is designed to push boundaries, educate and inspire bartenders around the globe.

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World Class Studios

World Class Studios

Check out our latest World Class Studio sessions available on Diageo Bar Academy now!

APERITIF & DIGESTIF
Learn to develop drinks and menus for this iconic occasion, taking inspiration from regional traditions, case studies from the top professionals in this field, and chef hacks for flavor storytelling.
START STUDIO
COMMUNITY BREW
With bartenders at the helm of community change, we are continuing our journey to highlight the best ingredients, with care and attention, as well as profile the bigger impact our thoughtful choices can make, locally.
START STUDIO
MAGICAL MODIFIERS
The educational approach of this studio focuses on simple drinks, with extraordinary modifiers, highlighting the citrus heart of Tanqueray No. TEN.
START STUDIO
COCKTAIL CARTOGRAPHY
This studio brings Scotland's famous landscape, whiskies and cocktails to bartenders worldwide, with some of the most complex flavors and rituals that defined generations of whisky lovers.
START STUDIO
FUTURE PROOF
Creating the space and opportunity for bartenders to engage in occasion and flavor-led drinks, focusing on a multitude of alcohol levels, to support lifestyle changes, as well as consumer and bartender demand.
START STUDIO
WORLD CLASS MENUS
Industry experts share their thoughts on what makes a world class menu and how to build one that best serves customers and bartenders.
START STUDIO

USBG PRESENTS WORLD CLASS
SPONSORED BY DIAGEO WINNERS

Renato Tonelli
Renato Tonelli
2023 U.S. Bartender of the Year
Jessi Pollak
Jessi Pollak
2022 U.S. Bartender of the Year
Adam Fournier
Adam Fournier
2021 U.S. Bartender of the Year
Katie Renshaw
Katie Renshaw
2019 U.S. Bartender of the Year
Laura Newman
Laura Newman
2018 U.S. Bartender of the Year
Chris Cardone
Chris Cardone
2017 U.S. Bartender of the Year
ANDREW MELTZER
ANDREW MELTZER
2016 U.S. Bartender of the Year
Tyson Buhler
Tyson Buhler
2015 U.S. Bartender of the Year
CHARLES JOLY
CHARLES JOLY
2014 Global Bartender of the Year
JEFF BELL
JEFF BELL
2013 U.S. Bartender of the Year
RICKY GOMEZ
RICKY GOMEZ
2012 U.S. Bartender of the Year

Stay Updated on Everything
World Class in 3 easy steps

STEP 1
Sign up for the Diageo Bar Academy newsletter to stay up to date with the latest trends, World Class Studios, and competition updates!
STEP 2
Use #WorldClassUS and #WorldClass2024 to check out the latest World Class content.
STEP 3
Follow @WorldClassUS to see all competition updates and finalists!
USBG World Class Sponsored by Diageo
USBG World Class name and logo are trademarks © Diageo
Please do not share with anyone under the legal purchase age for alcohol.
Drink Responsibly.
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