Sponsored by: Maybe Sammy Cocktails

Jacob Briars is a New Zealand-born spirits educator and advocate renowned in the global beverage industry. He currently serves as the Global Advocacy Director at Bacardi, the world's largest family-owned spirits company, where he leads training and education initiatives.

Sponsored by: Lost Explorer Mezcal

Stanislav Harciník is a prominent Slovak bartender, author, and educator dedicated to elevating Slovakia's cocktail culture on the global stage. As the Global Ambassador for Mirror Cocktail Bar in Bratislava, he has been instrumental in securing the bar's recognition on the extended World's 50 Best Bars list for consecutive years. In his commitment to fostering knowledge and passion within the bartending community, Harciník authored The Cocktail Balance, a book series aimed at both novice and seasoned bartenders.

Sponsored by: Sesión Tequila

Gregory J. Buda is the co-owner and beverage director of the cocktail and apéritif bar Bisou Bisou in Montréal, Canada. Before opening Bisou Bisou, Greg spent nine years as the Director of Education and Training Manager for The Dead Rabbit in New York City, one of the most highly awarded cocktail bars in the world, winning World’s Best Bar twice (2015 & 2016).

Sponsored by: Glenfiddich Whisky

Sebastian Tollius is a seasoned professional in the hospitality industry, with nearly 15 years of experience across esteemed establishments worldwide. Before joining Eleven Madison Park (EMP) in 2019, he honed his skills in Switzerland, Thailand, and Spain, working in some of the finest bars and hotels. At EMP, Sebastian serves as the Beverage Director, where he played a pivotal role in the restaurant's 2021 reopening and transition to a plant-based menu.

Sponsored by: Campari Group

Giacomo Giannotti is an Italian bartender renowned for his innovative contributions to the mixology world. Born in 1988 in Carrara, Tuscany, Italy, Giannotti's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Paradiso, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Barcelona. The bar's unique ambiance, inspired by Gaudí's architecture, and its innovative cocktails have garnered international acclaim. In 2022, Paradiso was honored as the World's Best Cocktail Bar by The World's 50 Best Bars ranking.

Sponsored by: Dalmore Whisky & Grey Goose Vodka

Agostino Perrone and Giorgio Bargiani are esteemed figures in the world of mixology, both playing pivotal roles at London's renowned Connaught Bar.

Having collected the world's most sought-after accolades and being associated with having rewritten the rulebook on hotel bars, Ago Perrone is undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures on the mixology scene globally. Ago's unique approach to hospitality and mixology has established his consistent international acclaim along the timeless and unbeaten popularity of London's stylish Connaught Bar - which he heads since its 2008 opening.In 2023, Perrone was honored as the International Bar Mentor of the Year at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.

Hailing from Italy, Giorgio Bargiani began his bartending career during his university studies. His passion for flavors and travel led him to pursue a career in mixology, working in luxury hotels to hone his skills. In 2014, he joined the Connaught Bar team, where, under Perrone's mentorship, he advanced from bar back to Head Mixologist by 2019. His influence is evident in the bar's creative innovations, events, and collaborations. In 2023, Bargiani was honored as the International Bartender of the Year at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.