The World Class Portugal project was developed by Diageo, with the aim of “promoting a better F&B (food and beverage) offer in bars and restaurants, valuing the world of the bar and inspiring bartenders from all over the world, in addition to healthy competition, a sharing and learning platform, which challenges all participants, and rewards the best of the best”.

Dedicated to “water”, this year’s edition, like previous editions, once again highlights one of the four elements of nature, bringing back the theme of sustainability.

“Water, as a fundamental resource for life, and so present in the main components of the cocktail universe, from ice to the water in various preparations, not forgetting its use in the most varied processes, has been the great challenge for the participants”.

On the day of the final, the finalists will compete for the title by presenting their best proposals, over three “Challenges”.

The evaluation of these challenges and the choice of the winner will be carried out by a jury made up of leading professionals in the sector in Portugal, and some international guests.

In addition to this distinction, the best bartender in Portugal 2024 will also have the opportunity to represent Portugal in the World Class 2024 Global Final, in Shanghai, China, in September.

With the aim of promoting training and the development of new skills, the organization highlights that this initiative appeals to the creativity of cocktail and premium spirits professionals, increasingly enhancing the growing interconnection between the world of bar and gastronomy, and encouraging the habit of cocktail consumption among the general public.

In addition to Filipe Sustelo (The Argo, Vilamoura), César Bolas (Casa do Gadanha, Estremoz), Fernando Sousa (The Royal Cocktail Club, Porto), Hélder Magalhães (Vinha Boutique Hotel, Gaia), Miguel Sul (Torto, Porto) and Rui Pereira (Cerqueira's, Viana do Castelo) are in the final.