Copy Editor's Note: Regular readers might notice that CNS rarely does post-op coverage. But when we do, it signifies something of significance for the city, and World Class hosting their competition in Shanghai (the first time in China, ever) is one such occasion.

Last month, Shanghai was home to the 2024 Global Finals of the 15th edition of the prestigious World Class Cocktail Competition hosted by Diageo, marking the first time ever that the event took place in China. For three weeks, bartenders, cocktail lovers and industry experts have gathered in our awesome city from all corners of the globe to be part of this exciting event and the surrounding festivities.

The annual celebration of global cocktail culture saw thousands of bartenders competing around the world for a coveted spot in the final. The penultimate event brought together finalists from 44 regions spanning six continents, each competing for the ultimate title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024. Two bartenders – Liao Jien Ming (Flair, Shanghai) and Pedison Kao (Bar Without, Taipei) made our region proud by earning spots amongst the Top 8 finalists, representing the best of the best of the world's biggest cocktail competition.

Held at W Shanghai – The Bund, the event came to a head on the evening of September 12 in a swanky, cocktail-fueled awards ceremony held against the backdrop of the glittering Lujiazui skyline. In the end, Keegan McGregor (Highwayman Bar, Canada) was named the ultimate winner by an international line-up of industry legends, leaving our fair city with the title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024.

Alongside the competition, The World Class Cocktail Festival showcased the best of Shanghai and China's cocktail culture and bar scene with over 100 venues hosting special events and menus. A stellar line up of guest shifts took place at venues such as Shingo Gokan's host of award-winning Shanghai bars, Speak Low, Sober Company and The Odd Couple; Coa Shanghai, a Hong Kong transplant specializing in agave spirits; Epic, a celebrated cocktail bar by Cross Yu; and Japanese-influenced Suzu Bar.

Kevin Delaney, Global Senior Brand Manager of World Class, shared: "This year's program truly feels like the culmination of a decade and a half of learning and growth for our program and global hospitality community. Shanghai is a unique meeting of traditional and modern and the city set the scene for an incredible week of creativity, professionalism, and hospitality at its best."

Themed "Future Legacy," this year's event proved that the future of bartending is as promising as ever, unveiling unique cocktail concepts that embody the vibrant innovation and creativity taking place in the best bars around the world – with Shanghai's scene standing proud amongst metropolitan hotspots such as London, New York, Tokyo, and others. Cheers to that!