USBG Announces It Will Step Away from World Class Sponsored By Diageo

HENDERSON, NV - The United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) announces today that the organization, whose mission is to unite and elevate the bar industry through education, community, and advocacy, will step away from presenting World Class Sponsored By DIAGEO after a dozen years leading what has become an influential cocktail competition within the industry.

Said USBG Executive Director Bo Shuff, “The USBG, its board of directors, and staff, are extremely grateful for twelve incredible years of working with Diageo and for the opportunity to build a competition series befitting the title ‘World Class’.”

He continued, “We want to thank Diageo for their longstanding effort to elevate the craft and artistry of cocktails through the years. Our teams have worked side by side, watching hundreds of competitors exemplify skill, creativity, and innovation and bearing witness to the growth of some of the greatest talents in our industry. World Class has offered participants opportunities for growth, recognition, and connection while building a community that encourages and rewards exceptional performance.”

“USBG and DIAGEO continue to partner on other initiatives through 2025 and we look forward to exploring ways that our two organizations can support each others’ mission in the future.”

Follow the USBG through multiple social media channels: IG/FB/X: @usbg/@TheUSBG/@TheUSBG.

About the United States Bartenders’ Guild

Founded in 1948, the United States Bartenders' Guild®? is the national, member-led not-for-profit association of bartenders and other hospitality professionals that unites and elevates the bar industry through education, community, and advocacy. Through its network, the USBG connects members with peer-to-peer learning, expert instruction, service projects, and skills-based competition, all while fostering a fun and healthy environment and reinforcing the importance of the ‘third place’ in neighborhoods across the country.