Canada to host the global cocktail competition for the first time

TORONTO , Sept. 16, 2025 /CNW/ - This fall, Toronto becomes the epicentre of cocktail culture, proudly hosting the world's most prestigious cocktail competition for the first time. From September 27 to October 2, 2025, the Diageo World Class Global Final will bring together leading bartending talent from over 50 countries around the world to compete for the title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025. With four global winners, Canada is the best-performing nation in the competition's history.

"Hosting the World Class Global Final in Toronto is a true milestone moment for Canada's cocktail community," says Michael Armistead, National On Premise, Reserve & Sponsorship Manager at Diageo Canada. "This is our chance to show the world the calibre of talent, innovation, and hospitality that defines our country. With its world-renowned hospitality scene and rich, multicultural culinary landscape, Toronto offers the perfect stage to spotlight the craft, creativity, and culture of modern bartending and hospitality. We're excited to bring the World Class experience to Canadians nationwide."

By shining a spotlight on the moment every year when cocktails take centre-stage, the Global World Class Finals inspire people around the world to experience cocktails in a new way, through best-in-class creations made with some of the world's most famous spirits. The competition unites tastemakers, up-and-coming bartending talent, and best-in-class luxury spirits from Diageo's extensive portfolio, inspiring people to drink better — not more — and savour unforgettable experiences. With a 16-year legacy of championing over 500,000 bartenders, World Class offers year-round training, mentorship, and a global stage. More than a showcase, World Class captures how cocktails have evolved into a reflection of culture, creativity and regionality through the voices of bartenders from over 50 markets globally. 

This year's Global Finals will see the world's best bartenders compete in a series of rigorous challenges designed to test the five pillars of a World Class bartender: hosting, craft, flavour analysis, knowledge, and World Class advocacy. Over the course of the week, competitors will be pushed to demonstrate precision, creativity, and storytelling, all while showcasing their mastery of iconic Diageo Reserve brands such as Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, Ketel One, and Tanqueray No. TEN. Set against the backdrop of Canada's vibrant hospitality scene, the World Class Global Finals will be a celebration of the people that are the beating heart of the hospitality industry, who have their finger on the pulse with the trends of today, tomorrow and the future.

To toast this milestone, Diageo World Class will roll out a jam-packed lineup of immersive cocktail experiences across Canada - a nationwide celebration that brings World Class bartending directly to Canadians from coast to coast. This is an opportunity to hear how the people that are the beating heart of the hospitality industry have built outstanding careers in one of the most exciting and creative industries, and understand how World Class has supported them along the way.

Highlights Include:

• September 24 to October 3– World Class Festival Roadshow: World Class excitement goes cross-country as international talent teams up with top Canadian bartenders to host unforgettable nights in Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Halifax.

Toronto Events Spotlight:

• September 26 to October 2 – World Class Global Final: Set against the iconic Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, this week-long celebration will include cocktail labs, curated tasting events, and exclusive guest shifts by top international bartenders. Whether you're a cocktail novice or seasoned mixologist, this is an unmissable experience.

To find out more about World Class festivities and opportunities to experience the excitement firsthand, consumers can visit www.diageoworldclasscanada.com/venues, and follow @WorldClass and @WorldClassCanada on Instagram. You can also use the hashtag #WorldClass and visit @WorldClassGlobal on YouTube.

When experimenting with your own mixology skills or enjoying award-winning cocktails from your favourite local bartender, World Class reminds you to drink responsibly.

About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio and Casamigos tequilas, Tanqueray, and Guinness.  Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere

Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

About Diageo World Class
Diageo World Class is transforming fine drinking experiences and cocktail culture around the world and in the home. The competition discovers the next generation of bartending talent who set the latest mixology trends and bring these to the best bars worldwide. At the core is an outstanding, global training program and internationally recognized platform that elevates the craft of the bartender and helps train those in the industry culminating in an annual luxury landmark week where the Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year is announced. Launched in 2009, over 400,000 bartenders have been inspired and educated in the craft of mixology using the finest spirits in the Diageo Reserve collection. A partnership and collaboration with gurus, media, and partners, Diageo World Class is widely recognized as a mark of sophistication and distinction of international fine drinking culture by bartenders and customers alike.

SOURCE Diageo