The United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) announces plans to create an educational program and qualifying competition in association with International Bartender Association’s (IBA). The new program will yield Team USA representatives annually to participate in the IBA’s global competitions.
Bo Shuff, Executive Director of USBG, says of the new program, “Beginning in 2026, the USBG, working with our local chapters as well as regional and national partners, will implement a three-tiered competition program through which USBG local chapters will choose their best to represent their community at regional competitions. The winners of each regional competition will compete to be crowned the national Team USA champion and then compete on the global stage.”
Set out over the spring and summer of 2026, the Team USA regional competitions will allow USBG Chapters to determine processes, parameters, and competition categories, unique to their community, for sending a representative to one of five regional competitions hosted by USBG and its partners. The winners in each category at the regional competitions will come together for the national finals to determine who represents Team USA on the global stage at the Pan-American and World Cocktail Championships in fall of 2026.
Shuff continues, “USBG competitions celebrate skill, creativity, and community in bartending, offering participants opportunities for growth, recognition, and connection within the industry. This three level competition will help bartenders increase their skills in competitions and on-the-job. Each level will add complexity and challenge so that Team USA can bring home the wins. USBG is optimistic that this program will inspire bartenders of every stripe, style, and sensibility to participate and will add to the sense of community among our chapters. The ultimate goal is to encourage professional development for our members.”