It has been 12 years since I attend Diageo world class competition in 2013, and luckily I have won 2nd, 3rd, 5th place in the past four times I went, I won’t say finally because it’s not an end, but gratefully that I won the 1st place this year in China final, it’s a long journey @bartendersolo@markt4985@imkae813@victoryangyib@hi_imjeffrey@jackochang_1208@hsukepau@allenfang228@nickwutw have joined with me and nourished me at their best
Thanks to @colincyc@scotch.soda.sg@alexyuliwhang@hidetsugu_ueno who have been sharing their experiences and enthusiasm with us to make this journey also a way of learning and caring
@xiao_shingo@choni_song you two did a great job that made me so nervous but also very focused on every challenge!!
There’s more to say but words are just not enough at this moment, thanks to all the friends who came to support and the best bar team lead by @doublekimmjj , @itszoe0918 , this is the stage for everyone to shine! Thank you Diageo!
@deewu1207 you can’t be missed for sure
Just like last year, we celebrated World Bartender Day with a live stream session on DRiNK China’s WeChat Channel. Ming @ming_f25 from @abarhasnoname.sh and Ring @ringzhao2024 from @barchoice.sz@barchoice_teabar@fullhouse_by_barchoice joined our editor Stella @_shumi_ to discuss what kind of challenges and opportunities were in stock for China’s bar industry in the Year of the Horse. 1,394 viewers tuned in and gave us 7,470 likes in one hour. Thank you, DRiNK fam 🎥🍸❤️
#worldbartenderday #livestream #drink #drinkchina #industrylove
In September, I did a 14-city tour across China — completely self-initiated, no brand sponsorship (should’ve called @ketelone #garnishedwithgood).
This journey was about sharing thoughts with the next generation — what it truly means to be a bartender, how to become one, and how we can elevate the social value of our profession. Not through media or lists, but through how we carry ourselves and share our ideas.
The bar world is evolving fast. A newcomer can become great in a month, while a “veteran” can fall behind if they stop learning. Respect the classics — without them, there’s no modern or contemporary. But also embrace those who work hard and grow fast.
Thank you to all the amazing bars that hosted me. Can’t wait for the next chapter
I keep questioning myself: Did I bring something fresh to the bar where I guest shift? A unique twist on hospitality, an unfamiliar ingredient, a new perspective, or simply a smiling version of me?
Competitions, awards, and lists matter—they put us in the spotlight and elevate the social status of bartenders. But whatever path you choose, don’t lose sight of this: keep your team happy, and together, make the guests feel the same. That’s the heartbeat of why bars exist.
