Register now for the 2020 Bartender of the Year sponsored by BACARDÍ & De Kuyper

Australia’s toughest test of bartending ability returns for 2020 — do you have what it takes to make the Top 8?

This is the toughest test of bartending ability out there. You don’t need to social media anything. You don’t have to make a video to promote your drinks. It’s just you and the hardest bartending exam going around. Do you think you have what it takes?

The Prize

Taking place over two days during Sydney Bar Week, the winner of the 2020 Bartender magazine Bartender of the Year sponsored by BACARDÍ and De Kuyper will score not only national bragging rights as the top bartender in the country, but you’ll also win $5,000 cash.

This year, we’ve added in prizes for everyone who finishes in the top five.

  • 4th to 8th place: $500
  • 3rd place: $1,000
  • 2nd place: $2,000
  • 1st place: $5,000

But you have to be in it to win it — here’s what you need to do to enter:

  • You must register your entry online by filling out the form below before April 30, 2020.
  • Check your email address regularly for tips and details of each round of the competition — and hit the books. We’ll test your knowledge of all spirit categories, your mastery of classic cocktails, and how well you know the craft of tending bar.
  • Sit the exam in Sydney on Monday 26 October during Sydney Bar Week, and be available to compete in the Top 8 round on Tuesday 27 October.

Anyone working in a bar can enter to take a crack at the biggest crown of them all. If you’ve got any questions, email competition organiser Sam Bygrave on sam@spantonmedia.com — and register below before April 30.

The winner of the competition this year will join the most exclusive bartending club in town — take a look at the previous winners below.

The Bartenders of the Year roll call

  • 2019 – Alex Gondzioulis
  • 2018 – Jenna Hemsworth
  • 2017 – Daniel Gregory
  • 2016 – Michael Chiem
  • 2015 – Lee Potter Cavanagh
  • 2014 – Nathan Beasley
  • 2013 – Sean Chow
  • 2012 – Greg Sanderson
  • 2011 – Tim Philips
  • 2010 – Jason Williams
  • 2009 – Chris Hysted
  • 2008 – Sebastian Reaburn
  • 2007 – Charlie Ainsbury
  • 2006 – Oliver Stuart
  • 2005 – Ben Davidson
  • 2004 – George Nemec
  • 2003 – Marco Faraone
  • 2002 – Marco Faraone
  • 2001 – Marco Faraone