Shaking the World: Highlights from the 2024 World Cocktail Championship in Madeira

The 2024 World Cocktail Championship (WCC), held from October 31 to November 3 in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, brought together elite bartenders from 61 countries, showcasing the pinnacle of mixology talent. Organized by the International Bartenders Association (IBA) in collaboration with the Portuguese Bartenders Association (ABP), the event highlighted innovation, cultural expression, and technical mastery in the art of cocktail creation.

5/6/20252 min read

Expert barman making cocktails at the bar

A Global Gathering of Mixology Excellence

The WCC 2024 featured a diverse array of participants, each bringing unique flavors and techniques to the competition. The preliminary rounds were intense, narrowing the field to 15 semi-finalist nations, including Ecuador, Macau, Iceland, Armenia, Georgia, Taiwan, Estonia, Uruguay, Sweden, Portugal, Latvia, Hong Kong, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Chile . These semi-finalists faced rigorous challenges emphasizing IBA’s core values: hospitality, creativity, precision, and storytelling.iba-world.com

Frederick Ma: World Bartender of the Year

Frederick Ma, chief mixologist at the Grand Lisboa Palace in Macau, achieved the prestigious title of “World Bartender of the Year” at WCC 2024. His award-winning cocktail, “Winds of Prosperity,” is a harmonious blend of Madeira wine, organic mezcal, amaretto, and verjuice, reflecting both local heritage and global sophistication .Macao News

Rising Stars and Cultural Showcases

United States

Team USA was represented by Yolanda Gregg (Classic Division) and Mariano Gil Jr. (Flair Division). Their performances demonstrated the depth of American bartending talent, with support from a robust delegation of industry professionals .usbg.org

Cuba

Cuba made a significant impact with Joel Antonio Pons Hernández competing in the Flair category. His dynamic performance combined acrobatics with traditional Cuban cocktail elements, marking a milestone for Cuban representation in international flair bartending .Excelencias Cuba

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic's mixology scene gained international attention through the achievements of Félix Coronado, who secured a spot at WCC 2024 after winning the Copa Nacional de Cócteles. His innovative cocktails, along with those of fellow competitors Enmanuel D’Óleo and Yeral Vázquez, showcased the country's burgeoning talent and creative flair .DiarioDigitalRD+17dias.com.do +1

The Flair Division: A Spectacle of Skill

The Flair Division captivated audiences with performances that combined technical prowess and theatrical flair. Competitors like Cuba’s Joel Antonio Pons Hernández brought energy and creativity to the stage, elevating the art of flair bartending and inspiring a new generation of performers .Excelencias Cuba

Conclusion

The 2024 World Cocktail Championship in Madeira was a celebration of global mixology, highlighting the creativity, skill, and cultural richness of bartenders worldwide. From Frederick Ma’s award-winning cocktail to the dynamic performances in the Flair Division, the event set new standards for excellence in the industry. As the world of mixology continues to evolve, the WCC remains a beacon for innovation and a platform for emerging talents to shine.