What a year it has been so far! With three Grand Slam competitions already behind us, the 2025 leaderboard has never been more exciting. The battle at the top is incredibly tight, and from 9th place down to 25th, the standings are so close that the next competition could completely change the picture.
And with one final showdown still to come, everything is wide open.
The Season Kicks Off: Zante Flair Open
Our 17th season began in June with the 20th anniversary of the legendary Zante Flair Open. This year’s edition introduced a new format, with two full days of qualifications—17 competitors on Day 1 and 18 on Day 2—giving bartenders more time to enjoy the island while chasing their first WFA Grand Slam points.
The final was something special, with an unusual 18 finalists, making for three days of incredible performances. Spectators enjoyed a mix of veterans and new faces, with the Greek sun and stunning sea view as the backdrop.
Highlights included:
Four women reaching the finals—a fantastic milestone.
The first Purple Levels of 2025, achieved by Pietro Fumarola, Pietro Puccio, and Kiril Rudak.
A powerhouse top 3 featuring Grand Slam veterans: Dennis Trifanovs, Roman Zapata, and reigning World Champion Michael Moreni, who took the win.
From the very first event, it was clear: 2025 would be full of surprises, bold routines, and new stars.
Dyynit Flair Derby: Finland Turns 20
In August, another Grand Slam giant celebrated a milestone: the 20th anniversary of Dyynit in Kalajoki, Finland, now rebranded as the Dyynit Flair Derby. This edition introduced a trial scoring system, adding categories such as Flow, Execution, and Bartending Skills, alongside deductions.
The atmosphere was electric from the start, with tastings, barbecues, and even a flair battle the night before the main event.
The competition itself didn’t disappoint:
Giussepe Li Causi, Drew Greenwood, and Athos Croce reached their first-ever Grand Slam finals.
Giussepe went further, earning his first Purple Level with a strong 4th place finish.
At the top, it was a showdown between Kiril Rudak, Michael Moreni, and Dennis Trifanovs, with Michael once again taking the trophy.
After Finland, the leaderboard truly came alive, and social media buzzed with speculation on how the season might unfold.
Warsaw on Fire: Food Town Flair Challenge
September brought us to Poland for the 3rd edition of the Food Town Flair Challenge, hosted by Tomek Malek. With 50 registered competitors, the event confirmed its status as one of the fastest-growing competitions on the Grand Slam circuit.
After an intense qualification round, 10 finalists took the stage, led by standout qualifier Alexander de Leo. But the final came with a twist: competitors were free to use the LED stage screen as part of their performance, opening the door to creativity like never before.
The crowd witnessed unforgettable moments, including:
Kacper Smarz bringing the Flair Game live on stage.
Michael Moreni landing his legendary Unicorn move from the top of the bar—one of the riskiest tricks in recent memory—perfectly timed to the music.
With that, Michael secured his third consecutive victory of 2025, keeping his perfect record intact and holding firm at the top of the leaderboard.
Next Stop: Las Vegas
And now, the stage is set for the Las Vegas Flair Championship on November 3–4—the final Grand Slam of the year. With $25,000 in prize money and the coveted Gold, Silver, and Bronze Levels on the line, Las Vegas will decide who takes the ultimate title.
The leaderboard is tighter than ever—not just in the top 5, but all the way down. Every point matters, and every routine could change the outcome.
The big question remains:
Can Michael Moreni hold onto his lead and retain his title, or will Las Vegas crown a new Grand Slam Champion?
Stay tuned—the season isn’t over yet, and the most thrilling chapter is still to come.
