Colombia is preparing to host one of the most important events in the global mixology industry. For the first time in history, the country will serve as the venue for the World Cocktail Championship (WCC), whose 72nd edition will take place in Cartagena from November 23 to 27, 2025. The announcement marks a milestone for Colombian mixology and positions the country on the global map of high-level cocktail competitions.
Organized by the International Bartenders Association (IBA), the championship will bring together more than 350 bartenders from 65 countries, who will compete across various liquid-art categories. Around 800 international attendees are also expected, including judges, industry experts, specialized media, and mixology enthusiasts. Colombia will be represented by national champions Jeanpierre Ríos, winner of the Classic category at the 2025 Cocktail Championship, and Esteban Torres, champion of the 2025 Legends World Flair in the Flair Bartender category.
Cartagena, Colombia, to host the 72nd edition of the World Cocktail Championship
The choice of Cartagena as the host city was no coincidence. The IBA highlighted its historical richness, colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and growing reputation as a gastronomic destination. Its walled streets, blend of tradition and modernity, and strong cultural identity make the city an ideal setting to welcome the best bartenders on the planet.
Until now, the World Cocktail Championship has taken place in destinations such as South Africa, Japan, Denmark, China, Italy, and Portugal. In South America, only Brazil had hosted the competition, making Colombia the second country in the region to welcome this prestigious event.
Among the featured international bartenders attending are:
Hidetsugu Ueno – Japan
Deniss Trifanovs – Latvia
Danilo Oribe – Uruguay
Bruno Santos – Macau
Miguel Barbora – Portugal
Julianna Buda – Hungary
Alexander de Leo – Germany
A Boost for Colombian Mixology
Hosting the World Cocktail Championship represents a unique opportunity for the country—touristically, gastronomically, and culturally. The arrival of hundreds of professionals and visitors will have a direct economic impact on Cartagena, benefiting hotels, bars, restaurants, and the entire tourism sector.
For Colombian bartenders, the event opens the door to an international showcase where they can demonstrate their talent and highlight local ingredients such as coffee, aguardiente, panela, and a wide variety of tropical fruits that have gained prominence in contemporary mixology.
In addition to the main competitions, the event will feature flairtending exhibitions—the art of performing tricks and juggling with bottles and bar tools—as well as presentations of official IBA cocktails and masterclasses led by major industry figures.
Global anticipation and a celebration of talent
The 2025 World Cocktail Championship in Cartagena promises to be a celebration of innovation, technique, and global cocktail culture. For Colombia, it is not only an opportunity to host a world-class competition, but also to showcase the richness and diversity of its gastronomic identity.
With more than 350 competitors, hundreds of attendees, and a historic city as its main stage, Cartagena is getting ready to become the world capital of mixology in November 2025.