Flair Technique preliminary finalists also announced
HENDERSON, NV (JUNE 16, 2026) - The United States Bartenders’ Guild announces today the finalists in the 2026 Regional United States Cocktail Championship (USCC) Classic Technique, a celebration of craft, community, and the extraordinary talent emerging from United States Bartenders’ Guild communities across the country. Flair Technique Preliminary Championship competitors are also revealed.
The Champions in the USCC National Finals in both Classic and Flair will be crowned July 21 at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. The Classic Champion will receive the “Dagostino” Award and the Flair Champion will receive the “Husted” Award. Both of these champions will then prepare to hit the global stage in Macau (Oct 19-24) to represent the US at the World Cocktail Championship (WCC) competition.
The 2026 Classic Regional Finalists, who finished at the top of their groups in competitions hosted by USBG communities from Dallas and West Palm Beach to Pittsburgh, Portland (OR), and Louisville, are:
Classic Regional Champions
- Sebastian Popeson (Austin) - Southwest Champion
- Anastasia Cooper (Atlanta) - South Champion
- Max McGee A'Hearn (Long Island) - Northeast Champion
- James Nordine (San Francisco) - West Champion
- SC Baker (Louisville) - Midwest Champion
Flair Technique Preliminary Competition competitors come both from regional USBG communities and from the Flair Bartenders Association. They are:
Flair Preliminary Competition competitors:
- Hector Rangel (Brownsville)
- Cash Price (Dallas)
- Nikolai Fomin (Miami)
- Jean Manuel Griman (Palm Beach)
- Michi Ohata (Seattle)
- Mariano Gil Jr. (Flair Bartenders Association)
- Hary Rivera (Flair Bartenders Association)
- Marco Montaguano (Chicago)
- David Rose (Tampa)
Said USBG Executive Director Bo Shuff, “Two of bartending's core tenets are creativity and community. USBG communities from all over the US sent their most creative and talented members and now we know who we’ll get to see in New Orleans. We’re excited to celebrate the artistry and talent of each of these competitors and see who will make it to Macau. We can’t wait to see all of the finalists at their best in New Orleans.”
The Competition:
The USCC is the national qualifying program through which the United States Bartenders’ Guild selects Team USBG—the bartenders who will carry the flag for the United States at the WCC, an annual event produced by the International Bartenders’ Association (IBA). As the official U.S. delegate to the IBA, the USBG is honored to elevate American bartending talent on an international stage.
To support the work of Team USBG and help champion bartenders across the United States, visit usbg.org to make a contribution or explore partnership opportunities.
For More Information:
Learn More
Stay Informed, Stay Competitive
Unlock the articles, expert interviews, and data reports that power the food and beverage industry. Join our community and stay ahead with exclusive insights from BevNET and Nosh.