Last week, over 50 of the world’s best bartenders descended on Toronto for the 16th Diageo World Class Finals, each vying for the title of World’s Best Bartender. The competition is one of the most respected bartending events internationally, and having the chance to compete alone is a high feat—getting here meant a year of national heats where bartenders were tested on speed, creativity, hospitality and showmanship.
Day one at the Royal York set the tone with forums and talks about the future of the industry, and over the following days the hotel buzzed with artful brand activations where visitors could taste legendary spirits, partake in masterclasses, and explore innovative new techniques. Notably, the festival also hosted a pop-up recreation of Jeff Savage’s Prophecy Bar in Vancouver, bringing his drinks to central Canada.
Everyone having a blast at World Class Canada!
Everyone having a blast at World Class Canada!
Later in the week, the high-spirited festival hosted more challenges. Bartenders were tasked with five themed rounds—including Johnnie Walker’s hop scotch speed test, Tanqueray No. Ten’s modern icon challenge, Don Julio’s dinner and a show inspired by AI-generated art, Singleton’s sensory session with drinks curated alongside a six-minute vinyl, and Ketel One’s quick-fire local-ingredient creation—before a top-ten cut and dazzling finale for the last three standing.
When the final showdown arrived at Casa Loma, Felice Capasso (Norway), Emanuele Mensah (Great Britain) and Gabriele Armani (Spain) were challenged to make five classic cocktails and a wildcard of their own—tailored to a judge’s palate—in just six minutes. While each competitor made a valiant effort, Capasso was named World’s Best Bartender of 2025 for his high-ranking performance across the whole week of challenges.
Gabriele Armani (left), Felice Capasso (middle), Emanuele Mensah (right)
Felice Capasso (Norway)
Gabriele Armani (Spain)
Emanuele Mensah (Great Britain)
Gabriele Armani (left), Felice Capasso (middle), Emanuele Mensah (right)
Felice Capasso (Norway)
Gabriele Armani (Spain)
Emanuele Mensah (Great Britain)
But World Class is more than competition. It’s also about community. At night, Toronto’s best bars—Pompette, Mordecai, Crybaby Gallery, and sister venues Civil Liberties and Civil Works—stretched last call to 4:00 a.m. to host nightly guest shifts. These pop-ups let bartenders trade techniques, compare cultural approaches to hospitality, and perhaps most importantly, celebrate their hard work and passion together.
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