About World Class



World Class is a global bartender training and education program. Its purpose is to heighten the craft of bartending while emphasizing the importance of delivering an exceptional customer experience. The World Class competition takes place annually in countries around the world. The winners from each participating country compete in an epic week which culminates with the global Diageo World Class bartender of the year being announced. The Diageo Reserve luxury portfolio includes Tanqueray No. Ten Gin, Ketel One Vodka, Zacapa Rum, Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky, The Singleton Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bulleit Bourbon, Cîroc Vodka, Don Julio Tequila, Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky, Aviation Gin, and Seedlip.


Over the past fifteen years World Class has supported, trained and inspired over 400,000 bartenders across the globe. From the World Class studios program inspiring bartenders to elevate their craft to the World Class competition recognising and celebrating the very best international bartending talent – World Class has been continually evolving cocktail culture.


World Class is about drinking better, not more. It celebrates the craft and excellence of both the drinks and the bartenders, and at every stage will remind consumers to drink better not more. Moderation is at the core of all our experiences and service guidelines. No & low alcohol brands will feature prominently throughout the World Class experiences and all experiences (both virtual and physical) are for consumers above legal purchase age only.


World Class is a pioneer of diversity and inclusion. It was one of the first cocktail competitions in the world to crown a female winner and there have been three female winners since 2016. To encourage further diversity, Diageo has partnered with learning for life in all participating countries. Learning for life is a programme which provides tools, training and skills in key areas related to the drinks industry and is designed specifically to promote: gender equality and empower all genders, inclusive sustainable growth, skills, employability and lifelong learning and better health.


As a global business, Diageo is committed to playing its part to protect the future of our planet and to leading the way for others to follow. In November 2020 Diageo launched a new ten-year sustainability action plan with a range of 25 bold and ambitious goals, designed to make a positive impact on the world by 2030. World Class is playing its part by inspiring sustainable cocktails around the world – inviting bartenders to re-think the way they choose ingredients and prepare their cocktails to have a positive impact on their communities, and championing a more sustainable approach for those creating cocktails at home.


Make your drinks World Class!