Merivale’s Group Creative Cocktail Lead James Irvine has been named the winner of Diageo’s World Class competition after competing in the program eight times.
Irvine battled it out against Australia’s top bar talents including Aidan Perkins, Darren Burton, Darren Leaney, Lachlan Gunner, Samuel Cocks, Shirley Yeung, and Tom McHugh earlier this week during the final round, which was held at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
Bartenders participated in three challenges designed to test their skills, creativity, and agility at Bar Tilda and Wentworth Bar. Participants were also tasked with creating three cocktails, one of which had to feature Tequila Don Julio’s new product 1942 Minis. Irvine’s creation The Cake is in Tears, featuring feijoa and yuzu citrate, took out the round with the drink inspired by high-end celebrations.
“This was my eighth time entering the competition, and it feels incredible to finally take out the title,” he says. “I’ve drawn on the invaluable mentorship provided by Diageo Bar Academy year after year and have thoroughly enjoyed the creative experience for almost a decade. Bartending is a creative art form, and World Class is the Oscars of bartending competitions, so to be recognised at this level is an absolute honour.”
Irvine will represent Australia at the World Class final which will be held in Toronto Canada from 27 September to 2 October. Representatives from 55 countries will compete in the multi-format event before the 2025 winner will be crowned.
“Each year, the Diageo World Class competition showcases exceptional talent, and 2025 was no exception,” says Diageo’s Kate McGraw. “This year’s finalists highlighted exciting trends in Australian bartending from innovative textural cocktails to refined serves celebrating local ingredients. Their creativity and craftsmanship are a powerful testament to the strength of Australia’s drinks culture.”
