WHAT IS WORLD CLASS?
For over 17 years, WORLD CLASS has been inspiring the global bar community — celebrating creativity, craft and unforgettable moments behind the bar and beyond. What began as a bartender competition has grown into a worldwide movement that champions modern cocktail culture and a contemporary approach to Fine Drinking. Every year, WORLD CLASS brings together exceptional bartending talent from around the world in the pursuit of one title: WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year. Bartenders from over 50 countries step onto national and international stages to showcase their craft, passion and personality.
The journey begins locally at the WORLD CLASS National Finals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, where the Top 10 bartenders from each country earn their place on the European stage. As we embark on the 2026 cycle, WORLD CLASS opens an exciting new chapter with the launch of the WORLD CLASS European Final — a new stage where Europe’s standout talents come together to compete at continental level. From there, the competition continues toward the WORLD CLASS Global Finals, where the world’s best bartenders ultimately come together. The exact dates of the finals are yet to be announced.
Welcome to WORLD CLASS 2026 — where passion meets creativity, and bartending reaches new heights.
ENTRY CHALLENGE - GERMANY, SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA
From February 5th, 2026, 12:00 am to February 27th, 2026, 11:59 pm, you have the opportunity to showcase your skills through the online application and compete for a place at the WORLD CLASS National Final of the WORLD CLASS Competition 2026. Convince us with your creativity and create an unforgettable drink that brings the Entry Challenge to life. We’re excited to see what you create.
CHALLENGE BRIEF – GERMANY, SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA
CHALLENGE BRIEF – GERMANY, SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA
Create a bold, glamorous Johnnie Walker Black Ruby drink inspired by the perfect night-out moment — designed to be as striking on social as it is in the glass.
JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK RUBY MOMENT
Please note: The following details (Challenge Brief, Rules and Supporting Paragraph) apply to Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Please refer to the ‘Scoring Criteria’ section for the specific criteria that apply to entries from the country in which you reside.
The night doesn’t start when you step out — it starts when the first track plays and the moment takes shape. We are looking for the ultimate “Pre-Party” showstopper. We celebrated the launch of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, a vibrant, honeyed and fruity-forward expression of the iconic Black Label.
Your mission is to capture the essence of the “getting ready” ritual. Create a fabulous drink that perfectly captures the excitement of getting ready for a great night out — a serve that boldly declares «Get Ruby with me». Bold, glamorous, confident and impossible to ignore.
CHALLENGE RULES
The registration period runs from February 5th, 2026, 12:00 am to February 27th, 2026, 11:59 pm.
Base Spirit: Minimum 30ml Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
Composition: Minimum of three parts
Creative Freedom: Choice of ice, serving style, and glassware is entirely up to you
Craft: No limit on homemade ingredients
Applications are only valid if submitted within the timeframe and if you reside in the country you are applying for.
SUPPORTING PARAGRAPH
Please note: Please submit the supporting paragraph in English.
New Territories: How does your serve take Johnnie Walker into a new, glamorous territory?
Social Content: What makes your serve visually captivating for digital explorers?
Inspiration: How does your cocktail inspire both bartenders and lovers of the “Pre-Party” ritual?
Supporting paragraph (250 words max.)
APPLICATION AND SCORING CRITERIA GERMANY
APPLICATION AND SCORING CRITERIA GERMANY
The registration period runs from February 5th, 2026, 12:00 am to February 27th, 2026, 11:59 pm.
You can find all further details about the challenge here.
You must submit:
Personal details
Cocktail name, recipe and method
Supporting paragraph (max. 250 words)
1 × cocktail image with the bottle
1 × cocktail image with the bottle and you
1 × video showing what makes the serve special and how it is prepared and presented with personality, style and confidence. The video may be recorded in your native language, but must include English subtitles.
TASTE – 40 POINTS
Is the drink confidently balanced, and does it showcase Johnnie Walker Black Ruby at the heart of the serve in a bold, modern way?
APPEARANCE – 30 POINTS
Does the serve command attention in the spotlight and translate into high-impact digital content?
BOLD EXPRESSION – 20 POINTS
Does the cocktail push boundaries and reinterpret classic conventions?
INSPIRATIONAL – 10 POINTS
Do all elements come together to raise the bar and inspire confidence and creativity?
TOTAL – 100 POINTS
Once the top 20 have been announced, the drinks must be shipped to Hamburg for judging. Please note the following: This basic larder will be available in our judging lounge for all finalists to use. You will be responsible for providing or sourcing anything you require outside of this larder.
FRUIT/VEGETABLES
Lemons
Limes
Pink Grapefruit
Orange
Pineapple
Tomato
HERBS
Mint
Basil
Rosemary
Coriander
MIXERS
Soda Water
DAIRY / NON-DAIRY
Eggs
Aquafaba
Milk
Coconut Milk
Oat Milk
Cream
Plain Greek Yogurt
BITTERS
Angostura
Orange
Peychaud’s
SWEETENERS
2:1 White Sugar Syrup
2:1 Brown Sugar Syrup
White Sugar
Brown Sugar
Maple Syrup
Honey
Agave
THIS YEAR, YOU NOT ONLY NEED TO MASTER THE SHAKER, BUT ALSO YOUR INSTAGRAM FEED.
We are not only looking for outstanding bartenders – we want someone who doesn’t just create world-class drinks but knows how to share them with the world. This is your invitation to join our Social Media Challenge for a money-can't-buy experience.
The winner of this challenge will be announced alongside the Top 3 Finalists. Even though your journey as a competitor ends here, a new door opens: you will travel to the European Finals in Rotterdam as our Official Social Media Host, where you will get the opportunity to create content for our Instagram Account diageobarac_de_at and capture the atmosphere, the craft and the defining moments as Europe’s best bartenders compete on the continental stage.
HOW TO WIN
THE STAGE IS YOURS: From the moment you register, show us your personality through Posts, Stories, and Reels – host your digital audience with the same warmth you show guests at your bar.
YOUR STYLE, YOUR VOICE: There is no "right" or "wrong". Collaboration is fine, but it's your account and you travel to Rotterdam. The style and quality you deliver now should match what you bring as our host at the European Finals.
PREMIUM MEETS PERSONALITY: Aesthetics matter, but your unique vibe counts most. Show us quality through your creative lens – whether raw and edgy or polished and sleek. We're looking for authentic engagement with your community, not just reach.
Don’t forget to tag diageobarac_de_at and use #WorldClass2026 #MakeItWorldClass so we can follow your journey. Also follow the account for all WORLD CLASS updates.
APPLICATION AND SCORING CRITERIA SWITZERLAND
APPLICATION AND SCORING CRITERIA SWITZERLAND
The registration period runs from February 5th, 2026, 12:00 am to February 27th, 2026, 11:59 pm.
You can find all further details about the challenge here.
You must submit:
Personal details
Cocktail name, recipe and method
Supporting paragraph (max. 250 words)
1 × cocktail image with the bottle
1 × cocktail image with the bottle and you
1 × video showing what makes the serve special and how it is prepared and presented with personality, style and confidence. The video must be recorded in English.
ONLINE SCORING
STORYTELLING & THEME – 40 POINTS Does your narrative effectively take Black Ruby into new, glamorous territories while reflecting the ‘getting ready’ ritual?
APPEARANCE – 30 POINTS Is the serve visually captivating and does it possess the ‘stopping power’ required for high-end digital content?
NEW TERRITORIES – 20 POINTS Does the cocktail challenge convention and explore untrodden paths of flavor and presentation for Johnnie Walker?
INSPIRATIONAL – 10 POINTS Do all elements come together to create a truly inspirational serve that excites both bartenders and consumers?
TOTAL – 100 POINTS
APPLICATION AND SCORING CRITERIA AUSTRIA
APPLICATION AND SCORING CRITERIA AUSTRIA
The registration period runs from February 5th, 2026, 12:00 am to February 27th, 2026, 11:59 pm.
You can find all further details about the challenge here.
You must submit:
Personal details
Cocktail name, recipe and method
Supporting paragraph (max. 250 words)
1 × cocktail image with the bottle
1 × cocktail image with the bottle and you
1 × video showing what makes the serve special and how it is prepared and presented with personality, style and confidence. The video must be recorded in English.
TASTE – 40 POINTS
Is the drink confidently balanced, and does it showcase Johnnie Walker Black Ruby at the heart of the serve in a bold, modern way?
APPEARANCE – 30 POINTS
Does the serve command attention in the spotlight and translate into high-impact digital content?
BOLD EXPRESSION – 20 POINTS
Does the cocktail push boundaries and reinterpret classic conventions?
INSPIRATIONAL – 10 POINTS
Do all elements come together to raise the bar and inspire confidence and creativity?
TOTAL – 100 POINTS
Community Award Austria
Community Award Austria
In addition to the official competition results, one further participant from the DACH Final will earn the chance to join the journey to the WORLD CLASS European Final — through the Community Award.
This award celebrates the true spirit of WORLD CLASS: support, collaboration and community. Following the DACH Final, participants will be invited to nominate those who best embody the idea of the WORLD CLASS Family — recognising individuals who inspire others, strengthen the community and truly live the values of WORLD CLASS.
The Community Award winner will be announced shortly after the Top 3 finalists and will earn a place alongside them on the European stage.
CONTACTS
Here are the key contact details for your local Brand Ambassador in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Feel free to reach out with any questions regarding the competition.
GERMANY
Sembo Amirpour
Luxury Brand Curator Germany
sembo.amirpour@diageo.com
Michael Manghofer
Luxury Brand Curator Germany
michael.manghofer@diageo.com
Martin Thibault
Luxury Brand Curator Germany
Martin.Thibault@diageo.com
SWITZERLAND
Vera Zimmermann
Luxury Brand Ambassador CH
vera.zimmermann@diageo.com
AUSTRIA
Florian Mittendorfer
Luxury Brand Ambassador Austria
florian.mittendorfer@diageo.com
