World Class India 2026 Returns, Bringing South Asia's Top Bartenders Together

As India's bar culture grows more personal, expressive, and globally confident, World Class India returns for its 12th edition, bringing together bartenders from India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka for the first time

Regional Expansion
- For the first time, bartenders from India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are competing together, reflecting the shared momentum across South Asia’s bar scene.
- The programme is running through an 11-city roadshow, with workshops and behind-the-bar sessions in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Goa, Kolkata, Colombo, Kathmandu, Hyderabad, Pune, and Guwahati.

Focus on Craft & Flavour
- This year emphasizes flavour-led thinking, encouraging bartenders to build drinks from the palate up — exploring flavour through science, memory, and emotion.
- Past winners return as mentors and judges, bringing global exposure back into local bar ecosystems.

Beyond Competition
- Guests can enjoy regional showcases, tastings, and masterclasses, following bartenders’ journeys as they experiment and evolve.
- The event highlights a grounded bar culture in India — valuing consistency, personal expression, and guest engagement over spectacle.

Key Timelines
- Roadshows: Ended December 19, 2025
- Regional Finalists: Announced Dec 30 – Jan 1
- Regional Finals: Jan 20 – 31, 2026
- National Finals: End of March 2026
- Global Finals: September 2026

This year’s World Class India is not just about competition — it’s about building a sustainable, globally recognized bar culture across South Asia.