The prestigious India Bartenders Guild (IBG) hosted the much-anticipated IBG Flair Challenge Competition 2026 – Mumbai on 31st January 2026 at the iconic Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO), as part of the globally recognized World of Hospitality Expo. The competition brought together some of the country’s most talented flair bartenders, turning the stage into a dynamic arena of precision, creativity, and performance artistry.
As one of IBG’s premier competitive platforms, the Flair Challenge continues to redefine professional standards within India’s bartending landscape. The Mumbai edition stood out for its elevated choreography, complex bottle manipulation techniques, synchronized multi-bottle sequences, and innovative cocktail craftsmanship — reflecting how flair bartending has matured into a sophisticated blend of sport and stage performance.
Participants were evaluated through a globally benchmarked scoring framework that assessed technical difficulty, fluidity of execution, originality, drink quality, stage confidence, and overall audience impact. The structured judging format ensured that the competition remained aligned with international hospitality standards while celebrating India’s rapidly emerging flair talent.
Top Winners – IBG Flair Challenge 2026 (Mumbai Edition)
Champion: Rohan Joshi delivered a commanding performance marked by high-risk tricks, seamless transitions, and exceptional composure under pressure, earning him the championship title.
First Runner-Up: Ravi Varma impressed with a technically intricate routine, sharp timing, and engaging stage presence that captivated both judges and spectators.
Second Runner-Up: Nigam Batra showcased creative choreography and confident execution, standing out for his balanced combination of technical control and presentation flair.
Esteemed Jury Panel
The competition was evaluated by an accomplished panel of hospitality and beverage experts, including Archit Singhal, Chetan Choramule, Mohammed Moufdi, Omkar Watwe, and Adri De Lucia. Their collective expertise in hospitality leadership, mixology innovation, and professional training ensured an impartial, transparent, and industry-relevant assessment process.
Strengthening India’s Bartending Ecosystem
Through national-level competitions, certification programs, and strategic industry collaborations, the India Bartenders Guild continues to champion skill development and professional recognition for bartenders across the country. The IBG Flair Challenge not only spotlights individual excellence but also reinforces the Guild’s long-term vision of positioning bartending as a respected, performance-driven profession within India’s fast-evolving hospitality sector.
The IBG Flair Challenge 2026—Mumbai was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of discipline, artistry, and the growing global aspirations of India’s bartending community.
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