Keegan McGregor from Canada has been awarded the coveted title of ‘World Class Global Bartender 2024’ at the world’s biggest cocktail competition, celebrated in Shanghai this year. Competing against finalists from 44 regions around the world, Keegan was named the ultimate winner by an international line-up of industry legends.
Keegan of Highwayman Bar stood out amongst the other competitors by presenting a series of signature serves that celebrated community, sustainability and innovation, to earn a place at the Global Final, hosted in one of the most historic and famous cities in the world, Shanghai.
The World Class competition, hosted by Diageo, sets to challenge and inspire the next generation of bartenders through a spirited contest where they are rewarded for pushing their creativity, storytelling and techniques to the next level.
Themed, ‘Future Legacy’, this year’s event proved that the future of bartending has never been more exciting, with the discovery of unique flavour combinations and cocktail concepts that are reflective of the vibrancy seen in the best bars around the world.
Keegan showcased how Scotch whisky can come alive and elevate a new generation of serves using technology, with a bespoke Johnnie Walker Blue Label serve. He was also challenged to create a duo of drinks reimagining both his home city and Shanghai, featuring indigenous ingredients alongside Don Julio Tequila.
The Ketel One vodka challenge saw Keegan tasked with creating a cocktail initiative that supports the growth of the hospitality community in his neighbourhood in Halifax. He also created three pioneering gin cocktails with Tanqueray No. Ten.
The Singleton challenge was about designing an ingeniously theatrical single malt Scotch whisky serve. The culmination was The Shanghai Showdown final challenge, which saw Keegan along with seven other finalists create an immersive bar pop-up experience that transcended the boundaries of bartending and set the tone for the future of cocktail culture.
Keegan said: “My World Class journey started six years ago, so it’s a special experience to be recognised as the World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024.”
