The eight Australian finalists for Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year 2026 have been announced.

The country’s most accomplished bartenders will converge on Melbourne’s Maison Bâtard venue on Monday, June 29 to vie for supremacy in the world’s largest and most prestigious bartending competition.

Drawn from renowned venues across the country, the finalists will face a series of multi-sensory live challenges designed to showcase their technical mastery and creative brilliance. These immersive showcases will ultimately determine who will earn the honour of representing Australia on the global stage in Scotland later this year.

The finalists are:

• Eduardo Conde of No 92 GPR, Sydney
• Jacob Frisch of The Gresham, Brisbane
• Judith Zhu of Bistro Ebony, Sydney
• Koby Harris of Three Horses, Melbourne
• Kayla Saito of The Mulberry Group, Melbourne
• Lachlan Gunner of Trap, Adelaide
• Charles Chang of Moku and Linla, Sydney
• Rohan Massie of Rude Boy, Tasmania

The bartenders will face off in three challenging rounds across one jam-packed day: 

1. Bartender’s Banquet with Tequila Don Julio – An exclusive collaboration with El Califa de León – the world’s first Michelin-starred taquería. Finalists will be tasked with crafting a bespoke cocktail pairing for a signature taco, celebrating the art of food and drink in perfect harmony. Each creation must honour the distinctive character of Tequila Don Julio, transforming a simple pairing into a transcendent dining experience.

2. Brewed in Melbourne with Mr Black Coffee Liqueur – A love letter to one of the world’s great coffee cities. Drawing on Melbourne’s legendary café culture, competitors will curate a menu of three refined coffee cocktails, each anchored by the bold, complex character of Mr Black Coffee Liqueur.

3. Check On! – The Diageo Reserve Challenge – The ultimate test of mastery under pressure. Competitors will race against the clock to produce up to ten flawless classic cocktails, showcasing the breadth and brilliance of Diageo’s award-winning Reserve portfolio. Precision, composure, and expertise will be tested, and every second counts.

Diageo Head of Trade Advocacy Kate McGraw said: “Diageo World Class is the ultimate expression of bartending excellence, and the Australian competition consistently delivers inspiration at the highest level. This year’s top eight finalists reflect the industry’s leading mix of technical mastery and creative flair. Their craftsmanship, imagination and commitment to hospitality ensure a final round that will be nothing short of extraordinary.”

The Australian champion will go on to represent their country at the Global Finals in Edinburgh, Scotland, later this year from the 18-23 October,  joining an elite field of international competitors across a series of dynamic, multi-format challenges.

Since its launch in 2009, World Class has been instrumental in transforming fine drinking and cocktail culture around the world. Now run in more than 60 countries, World Class has supported, educated, and inspired more than 400,000 bartenders through its training and advocacy program.