Indore: Representing Indore, Karan Dhanelia has been named Bartender of the Year 2026 at the 12th edition of Diageo India’s World Class 2026 Finals (India, Nepal & Sri Lanka). One of India’s most prestigious bartending competitions concluded successfully with a two-day grand finale held recently at Le Méridien, Gurugram.
This year’s finale was particularly noteworthy, witnessing the highest-ever participation of women among the top 8 finalists. Participants from tier-2 cities like Jaipur, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, and Amritsar competed alongside strong contenders from major metro cities. Notably, Indore—widely known as the food capital of India—is now emerging as a rising destination in cocktail culture as well.
During the finals, Karan Dhanelia from Atelier V, Indore, stood out with his distinctive style. His confidence, composure, and innovative experimentation with flavors set him apart in the competition. He created a signature drink featuring onion soda and spirulina syrup, which impressed the judges with its originality and taste. Additionally, his mastery of classic cocktails during the Speed Round helped him secure a decisive victory.
This win marks a significant milestone in his career, taking him to the international stage. Karan will now represent the Indian subcontinent at the World Class Global Finals later this year—a platform that has launched the careers of several renowned names in the bartending world.
Karan Dhanelia, Head Mixologist at Atelier V, Indore, said: “Winning World Class is a huge moment for me. I have worked extremely hard for this, and representing India now feels truly special. I am proud to have put Indore on India’s cocktail map. This journey has inspired me to look at my craft differently—whether it’s experimenting with flavors or telling a story through a drink. The mentorship I received on this platform has been invaluable, and I am excited about what lies ahead.”
Aanchal Kaushal, Vice President – Customer Marketing at Diageo India, said: “Karan’s balance, confidence, and skill throughout the competition were truly commendable. We are confident he will represent the country brilliantly at the World Class Global Finals.”
An evening filled with competition and excitement
The grand finale was packed with energy and intense competition, featuring 21 of the region’s best bartenders. The challenges included translating music into flavors (The Singleton 12), crafting drinks inspired by art (Don Julio 1942), and a high-pressure Speed Challenge that tested precision and efficiency. The competition was judged by an international panel including David Rios, Tim Philips, Konstantinos Theodorakopoulos, Jenna Ba, Yangdup Lama, and Minakshi Singh.
What this victory means
Winning World Class is often a turning point, offering not just recognition but also new opportunities and access to a global network. More importantly, it transforms how bartenders approach their craft. For past winners like Hemant Pathak and Jeet Rana, the platform has been instrumental in elevating their careers, enabling them to launch their own bars and gain international acclaim.
