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South African bartender wins Global Travel World Class

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Marc McArthur has been crowned the Diageo Global Travel World Class champion, following a fierce final held in Miami last night.

McArthur was praised for his “natural showmanship and skilled techniques”

McArthur saw off competition from cruise line bartenders from three of the world’s top cruise lines: Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Seabourn Cruise Line.

The judging panel, which included Enrique De Colsa, master distiller of Don Julio; renowned Miami bartender Ben Potts; and last year’s World Class Bartender of the Year Jennifer Le Nechet praised McArthur for his “natural showmanship, skilled techniques and ability to create remarkable cocktails”.

“I can’t put into words how much this achievement means to me,” said McArthur. “I’ve invested a lot of training and dedication into this competition, just making it through to the semi-finals was incredible, but to be judged by last year’s winner and succeed to go on to represent the cruise industry in the global final of the World Class Bartender of the Year, it’s without doubt the highlight of my career.

“I can’t wait to compete with the best and bring the confidence and skills I’ve developed through the World Class program to Mexico City.”

Marcos Bibas, commercial director at Diageo Americas said: “The World Class program is devised to educate and inspire bartenders to deliver outstanding drinking experiences, and I’m delighted we can offer this experience to cruise line bartenders on board our partners’ ships. Last night we witnessed a thrilling competition showcasing a remarkable standard of craftsmanship and creativity. We want to congratulate all of our finalists and wish Marc the very best of luck at the World Class Global Final in August.”

McArthur will now go up against 56 of the world’s best bartenders in the global World Class finals, held in Mexico City on 20-24 August 2017.

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