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and Mariano Gil, 2024 US Flair Champion (Right)
From October 31 – November 4, 2024, Team USA members Yolanda Gregg and Mariano Gil, Jr. shook things up in Madeira, Portugal at the 2024 World Cocktail Championships (WCC)!
USBG Member Liz Rodriguez competed for Puerto Rico in the Classic Division. Cheering on Team USA were Ingrid Rodriguez, Bradley Stephens, Lisa Belczyk, Bobby Dagostino, Gabby Dagostino, Jess Murdock, Andy Tojek, Clark Pope, Sarah Planchon Pope, Jenny Hernandez, Steph Washlock, Michael Washlock, Jr., Cara Rasch, and Jay Rasch. (Way to represent, Cleveland Chapter!!!)
IBA Committee Member, Bobby Dagostino, who has served as a WCC Judge for the last three years, says that the WCC experience is “Intense”, but his favorite thing about attending every year is the industry people you meet or catch up with while you’re there. “We truly are one large family.”
Thank you to Reàl Infused Exotics and Finest Call for your continued support of Team USA!
The 2025 USBG Shake It Up National Cocktail Competition Finals will take place March 25-26 at the Bar & Restaurant Expo in Las Vegas, NV. The Top 5 Finalists will be announced soon! The US Champion will move on to compete at the 2025 WCC in Columbia and the Runner-Up will move on to compete at the 2025 Pan-American Cocktail Competition in Chile.
Interested in attending the 2025 Pan-American Cocktail Competition or WCC? Take the Cleveland Chapter’s lead and make plans to attend! Bobby shares, “When you break everything down, the cost of the event is really a bargain. Top notch accommodations, all your food and beverage are covered. Watching the other bartenders compete and learning about new spirits, and techniques that help you behind your own bar is well worth it.” Watch for registration details to be shared in Summer 2025!