Norway’s Felice Capasso named Global Bartender of the Year

Canada’s bartenders have long been stars at the prestigious World Class cocktail competition. But this year, Canada itself was the star, hosting 51 finalists from around the world and wrapping the event up with a thrilling final at Toronto’s historic Casa Loma.

The winner, who proudly claims the career-defining title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, is Felice Capasso of Nedre Løkka Cocktailbar in Oslo, Norway, and also the founder of Sesto Senso Academy, a centre for wine and spirits education. Throughout the week, Capasso wowed the judges across every challenge he faced.

“Winning World Class is not just a dream come true. It is a goal I have worked tirelessly to achieve. It’s living proof that if you want something and you work for it, and you never, ever give up, no matter what—you can achieve it,” Capasso said. “By winning I know that I am taking on a responsibility, which I plan to take seriously, promoting education in spirits and inspiring other bartenders who want to progress in the industry.”

Despite winning more World Class titles than any other nation in the competition’s 16-year run, this was the first time Canada hosted the big event. And this country proved it knows how to throw a party. From September 24 to October 3, the World Class Festival Roadshow saw international talent team up with top Canadian bartenders to host unforgettable nights in Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary and Halifax.

Meanwhile, the epicentre of the final rounds of competition was Toronto, where the city’s best bars hosted cocktail labs, curated tasting events and exclusive guest shifts by top international bartenders.

“Hosting the World Class Global Final in Toronto is a true milestone moment for Canada’s cocktail community,” says Michael Armistead, National On Premise, Reserve & Sponsorship Manager at Diageo Canada. “This is our chance to show the world the calibre of talent, innovation, and hospitality that defines our country. With its world-renowned hospitality scene and rich, multicultural culinary landscape, Toronto offers the perfect stage to spotlight the craft, creativity and culture of modern bartending and hospitality. We’re excited to bring the World Class experience to Canadians nationwide.”

The competition itself was held at venues around Toronto and centred at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel from September 30 to October 2. It featured two days of challenges designed to test the five pillars of a World Class bartender: hosting, craft, flavour analysis, knowledge and World Class advocacy. Competitors were also pushed to demonstrate precision, creativity and storytelling in challenged such as The Sensory Sessions with The Singleton, in which they had to design a custom record sleeve press a track and pair it with a signature Singleton cocktail.

By end of day Wednesday, the top 10 finalists were announced; sadly, World Class Canada winner Kate Chernoff sadly did not make the cut. In Thursday’s semi-final, those were winnowed to three, who competed on stage at Casa Loma for for ultimate title.

Becoming World Class Global Bartender of the Year is no easy feat. Each year, some 10,000 bartenders from more than 50 countries enter the competition—more than 400,000 of them since World Class launched in 2009. Four Global Bartenders of the Year have come from Canada, the most of any country: Kaitlyn Stewart (2017), James Grant (2021), Jacob Martin (2023) and Keegan McGregor (2024).

And while World Class is a showcase for Diageo’s Reserve brands—Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray No. TEN, Singleton single malt—it has also become a force for education, training and mentorship. It has forged partnerships with gurus, members of the media and other partners, and is widely recognized as a mark of sophistication and fine drinking culture.

Winning World Class changes lives and careers. Hosting it confirms Canada as a world leader in cocktail culture. As Kevin Delaney, Global Head of World Class, said: “World Class is the ultimate toast to the people who are the beating heart of the hospitality industry.”

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY:
Diageo World Class Canada,
DiageoWorldClassCanada.com