IBG Flair Challenge Competition 2026
Flair bartending took center stage in Mumbai as the India Bartender Guild (IBG) hosted the IBG Flair Challenge Competition 2026 at the World of Hospitality Expo (WOHxpo). Held on 31st January 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO), the competition transformed the art of cocktail-making into a high-energy live spectacle—where technical precision met rhythm, creativity, and crowd engagement.
Building on the momentum of the highly successful IBG Flair Challenge 2025 in Bengaluru, the Mumbai edition expanded in scale and ambition. With stronger competition standards and deeper industry involvement, the event highlighted how bartending in India is rapidly evolving from behind-the-bar service into a recognized performance-driven profession.
A Platform Designed for the Modern Bartender
The IBG Flair Challenge is not just about making drinks—it is about storytelling through movement. Participants were challenged to perform choreographed routines set to music while executing complex flair techniques such as bottle flips, multi-object juggling, and synchronized shaker movements, all while preparing cocktails under professional guidelines.
Judging criteria focused on multiple aspects of performance, including flair difficulty, execution control, creativity, originality, stage presence, cocktail quality, and overall performance flow. The competition floor came alive with dynamic routines, confident performers, and visually striking presentations that held the attention of industry experts and audiences alike.
Driving Professional Growth in the Hospitality Industry
At its core, the IBG Flair Challenge serves a larger purpose—creating structured opportunities for bartenders to gain national recognition and industry credibility. By hosting the competition within WOHxpo, one of India’s most influential hospitality trade exhibitions, IBG ensured maximum exposure for participants, connecting them with hospitality leaders, beverage brands, and training institutions.
The competition plays a vital role in nurturing performance-based mixology culture in India, encouraging bartenders to refine both technical skills and personal branding. It also opens doors to career advancement, international exposure, and brand collaborations, reinforcing bartending as a skilled and aspirational profession.
Celebrating Talent and Technique
The 2026 Mumbai edition witnessed exceptional performances from across the country. Rohan Joshi emerged as the winner with a routine that demonstrated outstanding technical difficulty, seamless transitions, and commanding stage presence, earning him the highest overall score of the competition.
The first runner-up, Ravi Varma, delivered an energetic and technically refined performance that impressed both judges and spectators. Already known as the winner of the Zero Proof Competition in Goa, Ravi showcased his adaptability and range across diverse bartending formats.
Claiming the second runner-up position, Nigam Batra stood out for his creativity, confident execution, and strong audience engagement, securing his place among the top flair bartenders of the event.
Industry Expertise Behind the Judgement
Ensuring the competition’s credibility and professional standards was a distinguished panel of judges comprising Archit Singhal, Chetan Choramule, Mohammed Moufdi, Omkar Watwe, and Adri De Lucia. Their collective expertise ensured fair evaluation aligned with global flair bartending benchmarks.
Supporting the event as the Academy and Execution Partner, Bar Jockey Mumbai played a critical role in technical coordination and on-ground execution. Their involvement ensured a seamless experience for participants and audiences while reinforcing the importance of structured training within the hospitality ecosystem.
Shaping the Future of Indian Bartending
Through initiatives like the IBG Flair Challenge, the India Bartender Guild continues to redefine the professional landscape for bartenders in India. By combining competition, education, and industry collaboration, IBG is building a future where bartending is recognized as a craft that blends skill, creativity, and performance.
The IBG Flair Challenge Competition 2026 – Mumbai stands as a powerful example of this vision—one that celebrates talent, encourages innovation, and elevates Indian bartenders onto a larger national stage.
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