World’s Biggest Cocktail Competition announces Keegan McGregor as World Class Global Bartender of the Year
Keegan McGregor shakes his Tanqueray No.TEN Martini at the World Class Bartender of the Year Global Finals in Shanghai
October 5th, 2024
Last month Keegan McGregor from Canada was awarded the coveted title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024 at the world’s biggest cocktail competition, celebrated in Shanghai this year. Competing against finalists from 44 regions around the world, spanning six continents, Keegan McGregor was named as the ultimate winner by an international line-up of industry legends, during the annual celebration of global cocktail culture.
Keegan of Highwayman Bar stood out amongst the other competitors by presenting a series of signature serves that celebrated community, sustainability and innovation, to earn a place at the Global Final, hosted in one of the most historic and famous cities in the world, Shanghai. The World Class competition, hosted by Diageo, sets to challenge and inspire the next generation of bartenders through a spirited contest where they are rewarded for pushing their creativity, storytelling and techniques to the next level.
Cocktail lovers and industry experts travelled from across the globe to be part of an innovative and dynamic three-week programme of highlights. The World Class Cocktail Festival, accompanying the competition, showcased the best of Shanghai and the surrounding area’s cocktail and bar scene with over 100 venues activating with unique events and menus. Special guest shifts were held at Shingo Gokan’s host of award-winning Shanghai bars, Speak Low, Sober Company and The Odd Couple; Coa Shanghai, a Mexican-inspired cocktail bar specialising in agave spirits and cocktails; Hope & Sesame Guangzhou, ranked No.14 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars; Epic, an award-winning cocktail bar by Cross Yu, showcasing Shanghai Local Culture and Disco Era, and Japanese-influenced Suzu Bar, Shanghai. Last year’s World Class global winner, Jacob Martin, also hosted a guest shift at the luxury Mandarin Oriental hotel, in nearby Guangzhou.
Southeast Asia Bartenders Shine At The World’s Biggest Cocktail Competition
Set in the jewel of Asia, Shanghai, the 15th edition gathered some of the most respected and celebrated talent to honour the art and craftsmanship of mixology. Placing in second overall, is Aris Sanjaya, from BASE Bali, Indonesia. Aris, a seasoned bartender with over a decade of experience, combines local produce with his cocktails, creating a unique narrative. He believes in hospitality and learning from others, which is evident in his success in Shanghai where he brought home the People’s Choice Award. Aris also won the Future Stride by Johnnie Walker Blue Label challenge, highlighting the connection between technology and his bartending skills.
Aris Sanjaya (middle) at the Shanghai Showdown for the Top 8, supported by Kiko Victor (left) and Tanat Suttirak (right)
Tanat Suttirak, nicknamed Kem, took home the top spot for Tanqueray No. Ten and placed in the top 3 in the Ketel One Vodka Challenge. Kem is from Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, where he spent his formative years. He started as a chef before taking on the role of a bartender. Eventually, he moved to Bangkok, where he is currently a resident at Dry Wave Cocktail Studio. Other well-respected Southeast Asia talents represented in Shanghai included Ngo Kim Uyen (Kim) from Vietnam and Kiko Victor from the Philippines.
(images credit Diageo World Class)
