World Class Global Competition Finalist Kelvin Thairu to Represent Kenya
The winner of the Kenyan chapter of the World Class Global Competition is none other than Kelvin Thairu! Kelvin emerged victorious over 20 other contestants competing for a chance to represent Kenya on the global stage for the title of World Class Bartender of the Year.
The global finals will take place in Madrid, Spain and will be a first of its kind virtual event from the 4th – 8th of July, 2021. The event promises to be an immersive affair for people to watch as well as engage with top of the range virtual and interactive experiences. It will have everything from live events to trend-led panels, masterclasses to AR-bars – and the entire festival has been re-imagined to adapt to the current global pandemic.
Commenting on the initiative, EABL National Sales Reserve Manager, Nick Mutinda said, “The last 12 months have thrown a lot at the hospitality industry, but we’ve been determined to shine a light on the innovation, creativity and community spirit within the bartending community and crown a winner no matter what.”
“We have been planning for multiple scenarios and wanted to give clarity to everyone taking part by confirming the final format as early as possible. We’ve been blown away by the possibilities of a virtual event during that planning and are really excited about bringing these to life in July. Explore a virtual bar of the future, participate in panel discussions, discover city hot spots for a world-class drink or simply learn how to make amazing cocktails at home – this World Class Global Finals will be an extraordinary festival experience for everyone, everywhere.”
National Advocacy Manager, Douglas Duncanson had this to say: “World Class Global Competition has been instrumental in transforming better drinking culture around the world. We are happy that even with the closure of on-trade bars, as Kenya Breweries we are continuously equipping bartenders with necessary life skills & knowledge while keeping our mixologists community together.”
The competition participants will be streamed live from around the world as they sip, shake and stir their way through a series of unique challenges set to test their bartending skills to the limit. As well as the competition, the unique virtual festival will host the biggest names in the industry, all contributing to events taking place during the festival.
“Diageo is passionate about raising the bar – both for our consumers and our partners. This being the 6th year in Kenya, World Class has supported, trained and inspired over 350,000 bartenders across the globe for eleven years, while partnering them with the world’s finest spirits – theDiageo Reserve Collection,” said Catherine Maribei, Senior Brand Manager-Reserve.
Not only will Kelvin Thairu represent Kenya at the World Class Global Competition finals in Spain, but he will also tour the Ketel One Distillery in Holland.
We wish Kelvin all the best and be sure to stay up to date with the latest news for the World Class 2021 Global Finals by following @WorldClass.