Canadian bartender Keegan McGregor has been crowned World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024 at the prestigious World Class cocktail competition held in Shanghai. This year’s event saw McGregor emerge victorious from a pool of finalists representing 44 regions across six continents, in a contest that celebrates innovation and excellence in mixology.
McGregor, from Halifax’s Highwayman Bar, impressed the judges with a series of signature cocktails highlighting themes of community, sustainability, and creativity. His standout performances included innovative uses of Scotch Whisky, a bespoke Johnnie Walker Blue Label serve, and a pair of cocktails that reimagined his home city and Shanghai using indigenous ingredients and Don Julio tequila. One notable creation was a modern twist on traditional eggnog inspired by the Nova Scotian dish Hodge Podge. McGregor also engaged in challenges involving Ketel One vodka and Tanqueray No. TEN, crafting drinks that celebrated both the history and future of bartending.
The World Class competition, hosted by Diageo, aims to challenge and inspire bartenders globally. This year’s theme, ‘Future Legacy’, highlighted the evolving landscape of bartending, showcasing novel flavour combinations and cocktail concepts. McGregor’s final challenge, The Shanghai Showdown, involved creating an immersive bar pop-up experience that pushed the boundaries of cocktail culture.
The judging panel featured some of the industry’s most renowned figures, including Agostino Perrone of London’s Connaught Bar, Ryan Chetiyawardana of Mr Lyan, and Julie Reiner of NYC’s Milady’s and Clover Club. Their evaluation of McGregor’s creative and technical skills underscored the competition’s emphasis on storytelling and innovation.
McGregor expressed his gratitude, stating: “Winning World Class is a special moment for me. The camaraderie among competitors has been inspiring, and the advice to stay true to myself was invaluable.”
Kevin Delaney, Global Senior Brand Manager of World Class, reflected on the event’s success, noting: “World Class has evolved over 15 years to become a pinnacle of bar culture. This year’s event in Shanghai, blending tradition with modernity, showcased the incredible talent and creativity in the global bartending community.”
The three-week festival accompanying the competition featured over 100 Shanghai venues, offering unique events and cocktail experiences. Highlights included guest shifts at renowned bars like Speak Low and Coa Shanghai, as well as workshops and discussions during the inaugural World Class Mentorship programme.
The competition not only celebrated McGregor’s victory but also provided a platform for industry experts to address current trends and challenges in the global hospitality sector.
For more information, please contact worldclass@thestory.co.uk