Diageo(US:DEO) Globenewswire·2025-10-05 20:42Core Viewpoint - The World Class competition, now in its 16th year, showcases the best bartenders from 51 countries, highlighting the global cocktail culture and recognizing exceptional talent in the industry [1][3]. Group 1: Competition Highlights - Felice Capasso from Norway won the title of "2025 World Class Global Bartender of the Year" at the prestigious cocktail competition held in Toronto [3]. - The competition featured participants from six continents, with Capasso standing out through a series of innovative cocktail creations [3][4]. - Capasso's achievements include a trophy, a free trip to the global finals next year, mentorship from industry leaders, and opportunities to guest bartend at top bars [3][4]. Group 2: Challenges and Innovations - During the competition, Capasso participated in various challenging events, including the Johnnie Walker Black Label innovation challenge, where he creatively modified a classic gin recipe [4]. - He drew inspiration from an original AI artwork for a tequila aperitif in the Don Julio 1942 challenge, showcasing his ability to blend art and mixology [4]. - Capasso's cocktail "Between Us" was inspired by the classic song "That's Amore," demonstrating his unique approach to creating sensory experiences [4]. Group 3: Industry Impact - The World Class platform aims to honor the core strengths of the bar service industry and has supported the professional development of over 450,000 bartenders globally [6][10]. - The judging panel consisted of renowned bartenders and industry leaders, emphasizing the competition's credibility and the high standards of evaluation [6][7]. - The event serves as a celebration of creativity and passion within the bartending community, inspiring new generations of talent [7]. Group 4: Company Background - Diageo, the parent company of the World Class competition, is a global leader in the alcoholic beverage industry, with a portfolio of well-known brands including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Guinness [11]. - Diageo operates in nearly 180 countries, emphasizing responsible drinking and promoting a culture of quality over quantity in beverage consumption [11][10].