That’s right ladies and gentleman, the world renowned Barstylez Big Match World Bartender Championship from this year (2018) will officially be a WFA Grand Slam event, which means points, points, points! And of course in true WFA Grand Slam fashion the Big Match will also have some tasty cash prizes up for grabs, as well as trophies, t shirts and WFA Black and Purple Levels!

In fact first place will take home a mighty $2000 Singapore Dollars, as well as a trophy and of course the infamous WFA Black Level. Both Second and Third will also be awarded the WFA Black Level as well as $1500 and $1200 respectively. As per normal 4th, 5th and 6th place will get their WFA Purple Level in addition to cash prizes and a trophy each.

As per the new WFA Grading System, the cocktail you decide to make on the day is more important than ever. In true WFA Grand Slam style Barstylez will also be awarding a Best Cocktail award as well as the Best Asia Flair Bartender – the winner of which will take home the coveted Barstylez Asia Championship Belt.

When is it happening?

The Barstylez Big Match World Bartender Championship will be happening at the Hard Rock Cafe over the weekend of the 5th-7th of May 2018. Held for the past 6 years in Singapore, The Big Match has become known as one of the biggest World Bartending Championships in Asia. Held during the Singapore Cocktail Week, thousands of people will be in attendance, flying over from all across the globe. It is one of the few competitions that brings together the biggest bartenders from opposite sides of the world, where the best from Asia meet the best from Europe.

The dates and timings of the event can be seen below:

5th May: Competition Briefing (3pm – 5pm World Cocktail Briefing), (6pm – 8pm World Flair Briefing)

6th May: World Cocktail Championship Qualifier (11am – 6pm)

7th May: World Flair Championship Qualifier/Final & World Cocktail Final (11am – 5pm World Flair Qualifier), (6.30pm – 8pm World Cocktail Final), 8.30pm – 11pm World Flair Final)

Bartenders will have 4 minutes for the qualification round and 7 minutes for the final, so new routines, new music and new moves are bound to feature in abundance. On top of that, not one but two of the same cocktail must be made using certain spirits, provided by the sponsors. For all the in depth details about the approved drinks, rules and registration – take a look at our guide here.

Check out a video from the 2016 finals below: