Exciting National Bartending Competition Coming to Thompson Atlanta Buckhead

ATLANTA: Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead is proud to serve as a host venue for the USBG Presents World Class Sponsored By DIAGEO, which brings its highly anticipated national finals to Atlanta this month.

From May 18 to May 20, 2025, the city will welcome the Top 30 regional bartenders from across the country as they compete in the USBG Presents World Class U.S. Finals, a multi-day event designed to test the creativity, technical skill, and knowledge of the nation’s best mixologists. Competitions and programming will take place within Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead, offering guests a front-row seat to the craft cocktail world’s most exciting showdown.

Following a series of immersive and challenging rounds, 10 finalists will be selected to continue vying for the title of 2025 U.S. Bartender of the Year. The national champion will go on to represent the U.S. at the World Class Global Finals in Toronto, Canada this August, competing against top bartenders from more than 50 countries.

“We’re honored to be part of such a prestigious event and welcome bartending talent from across the country to Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead,” said Donte Johnson, General Manager of Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead. “Our hotel celebrates craft, culture, and community – values deeply shared with this competition and the bartending profession at large.”

The World Class competition, sponsored by global spirits leader Diageo, will take place exclusively at Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead. While select off-site events – including the Top 10 Dinner and Winner Announcement – will be held at other locations, the main competition is open to the public for consumers 21+. See the full schedule here.

“World Class is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of bartenders at the highest level,” said Bo Shuff, Executive Director of the United States Bartenders’ Guild. “We’re honored to host this event as part of the USBG Bar Summit and to partner with Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead in welcoming and showcasing these professionals from across the country as we celebrate their craft. It’s a powerful reflection of how education and community – core to the USBG’s mission, continue to shape the future of our industry.”

The United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG), a nonprofit with thousands of members and chapters in nearly 50 cities, including Atlanta, has long championed professional development within the beverage industry. The USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO event not only showcases exceptional bartending talent but also highlights emerging trends in the industry, from sustainability and low-ABV cocktails to bartenders’ growing roles as educators and community leaders. In celebration of this year’s U.S. Finals, World Class will be hosting a Cocktail Festival that will be serving specialty drinks at various bars and restaurants in Atlanta to engage the local community and build buzz around the competition. A list of participating bars and restaurants can be found here.

Cocktails created for the duration of this year's competition can be found on Instagram using the handle @WorldClassUS.

For additional information about the program and for details on the upcoming global competition, follow hashtags #worldclassus and #worldclass2025 on Twitter and Instagram, and visit worldclass.usbg.org and www.usbg.org.

ABOUT THOMPSON ATLANTA – BUCKHEAD: Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead is an award-winning premier luxury hotel located in the heart of Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood. The 201-room hotel is renowned for its stylish accommodations, and more than 12,000 square feet of exceptional dining, and versatile event spaces, making it the perfect destination for business and leisure travelers alike. For more information, visit hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/atlth-thompson-atlanta-buckhead. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

ABOUT USBG: 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.

ABOUT DIAGEO: Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.