Monkey Shoulder is officially bringing its World’s Ultimate Bartender Championship to Australia for the first time, with bartenders set to battle it out at Bartender Weekender 2026 in Adelaide this June.
Designed to test real-world bartending skills, the competition goes far beyond simply making great drinks. Competitors will take on six challenges covering everything from sensory skills and pouring accuracy through to hospitality, speed, industry knowledge and pressure-tested cocktail making.
The final challenge sees bartenders go head-to-head for the chance to represent Australia at the Global Final in India this November, competing against top bartenders from more than 20 countries.
Created alongside globally respected hospitality figures, the championship is focused on celebrating bartenders who bring personality, creativity and genuine hospitality to the industry.
“Bartenders have always been central to Monkey Shoulder’s story,” said Rachael Bartlett, Brand Ambassador for Monkey Shoulder. “The World’s Ultimate Bartender Championship is about celebrating those who dare to do things differently and the people shaping bar culture today and defining what’s next”.
Held during Bartender Weekender, the competition is expected to attract some of the country’s best emerging bar talent, with the event providing the perfect backdrop for bartenders, operators and hospitality professionals to connect across the three-day festival.
If you think you’ve got the skills, entries are now open: www.ultimatebartenderchampionship.com