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!

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!

World Class Studios

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 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!
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