It is almost time for the biggest event of the year. Every competition, every practice session, every new move, all those blood, sweat and tears were all for this – the Roadhouse World Finals. Taking place at one of London’s longest serving and most prestigious cocktail bars, The Roadhouse in Covent Garden, the Roadhouse Grand Final 2017 look set to be the most competitive we have seen for years.
Now in its 17th year, this competition has a lot of history and every year is quite different. Our current World Champion is also last years WFA Grand Slam World Champion, Luca Valentin. We are of course expecting a lot from all of the top competitors at this year’s Roadhouse, if Flairsupply in Hungary is anything to go by there are plenty of new and exciting moves and routines on the way!
With the current close state of the WFA Grand Slam Leaderboard and the second last Grand Slam of the year Loolapaloosa happening tonight (23rd November), the Roadhouse World Finals as well as the title for WFA Grand Slam World Champion could go to a number of people:
The small and intimate stage of the Roadhouse, with the crowd mere centimetres away presents a challenge for the flair bartenders that they do not experience anywhere else. It is great for the audience who get that up close and personal feel with the flair bartenders, not missing a single flick or stall. On the other side of the coin, it can present a lot of pressure for the flair bartenders themselves, albeit that the top flair bartenders are able to deal with this sort of pressure.
The unique make up of this London venue introduces a level of adversity for the competitors that can only be superseded by their immense concentration and pure brilliance. As a result, The Roadhouse is seen to be the place where some of the most daring and complicated moves are attempted. It is unlikely that you will see these anywhere else, or at least you will see these at The Roadhouse first.
The Roadhouse is the longest running flair bartending competition in the world. It represents the pinnacle of flair bartending and attracts the best professional flair bartenders from all over the globe; who come not only seeking prestige and the title of WFA flair bartending world champion but also to claim their share of the £15,000 worth of prize money.
If you head down on November the 26th, be prepared for high octane action, loud music, an excited crowd and a fantastic atmosphere. The doors open at 5pm and tickets are £20.00 on the door and £15.00 early bird through online ticket sellers.