After three thrilling days, five fast-paced challenges, and countless creative cocktails, the Norwegian superstar has been crowned World Class champ.
It’s official Adrián Michalčík from Norway has been crowned the Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year champion for 2022 after a challenging final round on Thursday night. The title is a highly coveted one – World Class is the most prestigious competition in bartending, and to win one must show extraordinary cocktail-making prowess and jump through a rigorous set of hoops. The level of talent and competition is no joke. With Sydney playing home to the finals for the very first time, it was a thrill to see the action play out on home ground.
And an action-packed week it’s been! 50 finalists from right across the globe, each having taken out the top spot in their national comps, came together at the Four Seasons hotel over the last three days to battle it out for global glory. Kicking off on Tuesday with the Don Julio ‘Pour Amor’ round, finalists were tasked with creating two cocktails and a sangrita inspired by land and community. That afternoon, another challenge awaited, as they were put on the spot to mix up their own ‘New Modern Classic’ cocktail using The Singleton whisky. The brief? Create a drink that will remain as relevant and delicious in 100 years’ time.
On Wednesday, they set their sights on Johnnie Walker, with a round titled ‘Surplus Highballs’. Using creativity, flair and leftover produce from local suppliers, they were challenged to deliver a cordial that perfectly complemented Johnnie Walker Black Label in a delicious highball cocktail. The afternoon took an elegant turn with finalists pushing the boundaries to create an original Tanqueray No. TEN Martini ritual for the judges, bringing the citrus heart to life through storytelling, theatre and flavour.
On Wednesday night, we nervously awaited the announcement for which of the 50 exceptional talents had made the top 10. With a sigh of relief, Australia’s very own Nick Tesar (of Bar Liberty fame) nabbed a spot, alongside outstanding contenders from Mexico, Czech Republic, Denmark and beyond.
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On Thursday, the final day of the competition, 600 industry guests gathered to watch the top 10 face the toughest obstacle of all – a Wheel of Fortune-style tournament and the ultimate test of speed. Though competition was fierce, in the end, Norway’s Adrián Michalčík proved he could not be beaten (having also won the Don Julio and Singleton events on Tuesday). There were tears, there was confetti, and there was a deservedly proud and emotional Norwegian accepting this coveted award.
“Wow, I can’t believe I’ve just won the biggest bartender competition in the world! The last few years have been incredibly tough for me and for our industry,” said Michalčík. “Just to get the chance to compete here, in real life, against some truly amazing bartenders, feels like the start of a new chapter. There were moments I wasn’t sure I’d make the next round let alone win the title!” Formerly a professional hockey player, Michalčík is the Bar Manager of Pier 42 in the Amerikalinjen Hotel in Oslo, and is returning home with one of the most respected titles in the industry.
Now in its 13th year, the Bartender of the Year finals ran alongside the World Class Cocktail Festival, which saw hundreds of events in venues across Sydney throughout the week. Brazil has now been announced as the host for 2023, so get your Caipirinhas ready as we gear up for another year of mixology greatness.
- The Bartender’s Choice Winner: Dominik Oswald (Austria)
- Ketel One Challenge Winner: Mathias Klausen Broksø (Denmark)
- Don Julio Challenge Winner: Adrián Michalčík (Norway)
- The Singleton Challenge Winner: Adrián Michalčík (Norway)
- Johnnie Walker Challenge Winner - Nick Tesar (Australia)
- Tanqueray No. TEN Challenge Winner: Yui Ogata (Japan)
- Bartender of the Year Winner: Adrián Michalčík (Norway)
For the opportunity to sample a beverage from the world’s best bartender this afternoon, Friday 16 September, Adrián will be serving up his favourite cocktails from 5.30pm onwards at Hickson House Distilling Co.
