USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO Heads to Denver, CO to Host 2024 National Finals

The nation’s top 30 mixologists will compete for the title of the U.S. Bartender of the Year for the competition’s 12th season!

Finalists from the country’s West, Central and East regions will gather in Denver, CO from June 1 to June 4. They will participate in three national challenges aiming for the opportunity to compete in the Top 10 Finals. The winner of the Top 10 Finals challenges will be named champion and represent the U.S. at the World Class Global Finals taking place in Shanghai, China this September.

“We’re thrilled to be returning for this year’s USBG Presents World Class Sponsored By DIAGEO competition and look forward to welcoming back new and former competitors into the World Class community,” shares USBG Executive Director Aaron Gregory Smith.

“The long-standing partnership between USBG and DIAGEO shows the commitment behind this one-of-a-king program and our mission to provide hospitality professionals with the best knowledge and tools needed to succeed in this industry.”

The three challenges of this year’s U.S. National Finals in Denver include

House Above The Clouds: Competitors will pay homage to the world of Ron Zacapa as they create a sophisticated twist using innovation and storytelling.

Community Hero: In honor of Ketel One Family Made Vodka’s mission to leave a positive impact on the world (and industry), finalists will be tasked with creating a signature vodka cocktail using an innovative bartending technique, process, initiative, or ingredient that elevates their community.

Speed Round: The Top 30 bartenders will race against the clock as they develop a World Class menu of six DIAGEO Reserve craft cocktails during an eight-minute Speed Round challenge.

“It has been amazing to see the support and camaraderie from this competition come to life as we continue to grow this renowned educational program and champion bartenders from all across the country,” says Cassandra Ericson, Manager of On Premise Channel Marketing at DIAGEO North America.

For more information on World Class, follow @WorldClassUS on Instagram or check them out online at https://worldclass.usbg.org and https://www.usbg.org. For additional information about the program and for details on the upcoming national finals, follow hashtags #worldclassus, #worldclass2024 on Instagram.