Keegan McGregor from Canada has been crowned the World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024 at the world’s largest cocktail competition, held this year in Shanghai.
Competing against finalists from 44 regions spanning six continents, Keegan was named the ultimate winner by a prestigious panel of industry legends during this annual celebration of global cocktail culture.
Representing Highwayman Bar, Keegan impressed judges with his innovative signature serves, which focused on community, sustainability, and pushing creative boundaries.
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His performance earned him a spot in the Global Final in Shanghai, one of the world’s most iconic cities. Hosted by Diageo, the World Class competition aims to inspire the next generation of bartenders by encouraging creativity, storytelling, and technique at the highest level.
This year’s event, themed “Future Legacy,” explored the exciting future of bartending, with unique flavor combinations and cocktail concepts that reflected the vibrancy of the world’s best bars. Keegan showcased his skills with a Johnnie Walker Blue Label serve, using cutting-edge technology to elevate Scotch whisky.
He also created a duo of drinks inspired by his hometown, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Shanghai, featuring indigenous ingredients and Don Julio tequila.
One standout was his reimagining of Halifax’s traditional Hodge Podge stew into a modern twist on eggnog.
In the Ketel One vodka challenge, Keegan was tasked with creating a cocktail initiative that supports the growth of Halifax’s hospitality community.
His presentation also included three innovative gin cocktails with Tanqueray No. TEN, each paying tribute to bartending history while looking toward the future.
The competition culminated with “The Shanghai Showdown,” where Keegan and seven other finalists designed immersive bar pop-up experiences that redefined the boundaries of bartending and set new standards for the future of cocktail culture.
The judging panel, featuring industry icons like Agostino Perrone of Connaught Bar, Ryan Chetiyawardana of Mr. Lyan, and Julie Reiner of NYC’s Clover Club, praised Keegan’s creativity and technique.
Reflecting on his journey, Keegan said: “The camaraderie amongst the competitors this week has been both inspiring and has kept me going. The biggest piece of advice I was given was to be myself, and that’s exactly what I did.”
Kevin Delaney, Global Senior Brand Manager of World Class, expressed his pride in Keegan, stating, “World Class has become a pinnacle of bar culture, and this year’s competition feels like the culmination of 15 years of learning and growth.
I couldn’t be prouder of Keegan and look forward to this exciting new chapter in his journey.”
The event also hosted the World Class Cocktail Festival, which showcased over 100 bars and venues across Shanghai.
Cocktail lovers and industry experts from around the globe gathered to experience the city’s dynamic cocktail scene, with special guest shifts from renowned bars like Speak Low, Sober Company, and Coa Shanghai.
In addition to the competition, the first-ever World Class Mentorship program and Industry Forum took place, with seminars and discussions covering the industry’s most pressing topics, such as “Vibe Architecture” and “Content is Queen.”
These sessions provided insights into building a sensory experience and connecting with modern audiences in the digital age.
