2026 United States Cocktail Competition: The Road to Macau

The United States Bartenders’ Guild is proud to serve as the official U.S. delegate to the International Bartenders Association (IBA)—a global network representing more than 70 countries. Each year, the IBA brings together the world’s top bartenders through international competitions that celebrate craft, creativity, and excellence behind the bar.

The United States Cocktail Championship (USCC) is how the journey begins here at home.

Launched in 2026, the USCC is a nationwide competition designed to identify and elevate American bartending talent—from local communities to the world stage. Through this program, USBG selects Team USBG, the bartenders who will represent the United States at the World Cocktail Competition in Macau, China.

How the USCC Works

The USCC unfolds across four program phases, guiding competitors from their local communities through Regional and National Championships, culminating on the global stage at the 2026 World Cocktail Competition (WCC) in Macau, China.

👉 View the 2026 USCC Regional Host Cities

Get Involved with the USCC

The United States Cocktail Championship is powered by the people who believe in elevating the bar industry—bartenders, volunteers, partners, and supporters from across the country.

There are many ways to take part:

Compete
Longstanding members, recently joined members, and those who are interested in joining are all eligible to participate.

Members at Large can APPLY HERE to participate.
All other members should reach out to their local leaders for ways to participate in Phase 1.

Support
Attend events, cheer on competitors, or help amplify the program by sharing the journey.

Volunteer
Lend your time and expertise to help bring competitions to life at the local, regional, or national level.

Champion Team USBG
Contributions help support the bartenders who go on to represent the United States on the world stage.

👉 Champion Team USBG ›

Whether you’re stepping behind the bar or standing behind the mission, there’s a place for you in the USCC.

Roadmap to Macau

	LOCAL COMMUNITY CHAMPIONSHIPS  Communities will select up to Two champions (One flair and One classic competitor) as representatives to compete in their  2026 USCC Regional Championship.  Communities may select their champions through a variety of selection processes including local competitions.  Community Champions will be announced on March 3rd, 2026!
	Regional Championships Community Champions will then go head to head to determine who will advance to compete in the National Championship.  The highest scoring Flair and Classic competitors from each region will move on to compete at the National Championship in July 2026.
	National Championships The highest scoring Regional Competitors will be joined by the winners of Bartender Shakedown at the National Championship to vie for the titles of 2026 USCC Flair Champion and 2026 USCC Classic Champion.
	The 2026 USCC Champions will have the opportunity to represent Team USBG on the global stage in 2026 at the Pan-American Cocktail Competition then on to the The World Cocktail Competition (WCC) in Macau China.