The Mulberry Group’s Kayla Saito has been named Australia’s Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year for 2026.

Saito took out the title at the national finals held at Lucas Collective’s Maison Bâtard on June 29.

The 17th annual World Class competition saw eight of Australia’s top bartenders face off. Following a high-stakes day showcasing elite skill and innovation, Saito outshone competitors Eduardo Conde, Jacob Frisch, Judith Zhu, Koby Harris, Lachlan Gunner, Charles Chang, and Rohan Massie to claim the championship.

Competitors faced off in three demanding challenges designed to showcase their creativity, skill, and prowess. The action unfolded across Maison Bâtard’s floors from the rooftop escape of La Terrasse to the Parisian sophistication of Bâtard Restaurant, and the velvet-clad Le Club.

For their hero challenge, finalists were invited to collaborate with El Califa de León, the world’s first Michelin-starred taquería in Mexico City. Each bartender was tasked with crafting a bespoke cocktail pairing for a signature taco, celebrating the timeless and deeply personal connection between tequila and Mexican culture. Every creation had to honour the distinctive character of Tequila Don Julio, bringing together food and drink in a pairing that was as considered as it was delicious. 

Saito rose to the occasion and won the third and final challenge of the evening, ‘Check on!’, a test of speed and precision which saw her propelled to the top of the podium.

Saito said: “I completely bombed in the speed round during my first two years competing in World Class. To return to a stage shared with the country’s best bartenders, not only win that round but ultimately be crowned National Champion, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that growth comes through practice, and I couldn’t be more excited to represent Australia on the world stage in Scotland.”

Diageo Head of Trade Advocacy Kate McGraw said: “The calibre of talent at Diageo World Class continues to reach new heights, and this year’s competition was our most competitive yet. The finalists showcased the future of Australian bartending through exceptional craftsmanship, creativity and a deep respect for local ingredients, reinforcing our industry’s world-class reputation.

“While the standard was incredibly close, Saito set a new benchmark. Their impeccable execution, compelling storytelling and natural charisma made them a standout winner, and we have every confidence they will represent Australia with distinction at the Global Finals.

“It’s especially exciting to see the Australian Diageo World Class title awarded to a woman for the first time.”

Saito will go on to represent Australia at the Global Finals in Edinburgh, Scotland, later this year from 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.