Meet Your 2025 World Class East National Finalists

Dalton Bedard

Dalton Bedard, born in Tallahassee, Florida, is a bar industry veteran of nearly 10 years whose career has spanned across six cities in four countries. He currently resides in Charleston South Carolina with his wife and pets.

Favorite DIAGEO spirit to work with? Don Julio Reposado  

Clay Bennett

Clay Bennett, a bartender at Glass Light in Norfolk, Virginia, has been in the industry for four years. Regarding the upcoming competition, he expressed excitement and anticipation for showcasing his passions and soaking up the energy and information from fellow participants.

“It’s great to be here! Over the moon excited to showcase my passions, live! Being young in the service industry, I can’t wait to sponge up all of the energy and information everyone is bringing to Atlanta.”

Favorite DIAGEO spirit to work with? Roe & Co or Tanqueray No.TEN

Randy Caniglia

Randy Caniglia, a San Diego native, has spent the last few years in Boston and currently shakes things up at Offsuit. When he's not slinging drinks, you can find him sipping mezcal, catching a movie with his partner, or hanging out with his pug.

Favorite DIAGEO spirit to work with? Tanqueray No.TEN

Aakash Gala

Aakash Gala is currently an undergraduate student, pursuing degrees in Political Science and Philosophy. He is extremely passionate about flavors, techniques and stories. He loves meeting new people and learning something new every day!

Favorite DIAGEO spirit to work with? Tanqueray no. TEN, Ron Zacapa 23 and Lagavulin 16

Peter Hannah

Peter Hannah's 20+ year career in hospitality has taken him across Europe, Asia and the USA. He values strong fundamentals and is highly process driven. He believes that creating new and immersive experiences for guests is always built on a backbone of classic, time-honored wireframes. Peter loves detail and is meticulous in his work. He believes that cocktails and bartending are a craft, not an art. He also enjoys traveling, reading, and playing soccer.

Favorite DIAGEO spirit to work with? Johnnie Walker Green Label

Kai Lucas

Kai Lucas is a NYC-based bartender, educator, and industry mentor, blending technical expertise with storytelling to inspire the next generation. Experienced as head instructor at the European Bartender School NYC and a bartender at The Corner Store, Kai is passionate about innovation, education, and making industry knowledge more accessible.

Favorite DIAGEO spirit to work with? Roe & Co

Bridget Ramsey

Bridget Ramsey is a New York City based bartender, who likes to emphasize minimalism and nuance in her cocktail creation. She has spent time working at Overstory and The Dead Rabbit -- both of which shaped her approach to cocktail development. Her favorite classic cocktail is an Adonis.

Favorite DIAGEO spirit to work with? Tanqueray No. TEN

Jon Schott

Jon Schott's career in hospitality has spanned over 20 years, from flair bartending and fire breathing in clubs to craft cocktails and Martini service in hotels. He balances his life behind the bar with a life outside, exploring nature, gardening, growing, and foraging with his wife, who is his drive and inspiration. He is a sober bartender and finds that there is no greater high.

Favorite DIAGEO spirit to work with? Seedlip

Nic Wallace

Nic Wallace is in his tenth year being part of the USBG World Class Competition sponsored By DIAGEO! He truly loves the way this competition brings people together, forges long friendships, and pushes you beyond your known limits.

When not running multiple bars, he is a part-time bladesmith, and full-time dog dad to Zoey, his 6 year old German Shepherd.

Favorite DIAGEO spirit to work with? Talisker Scotch 10 yr

Steve Yang

Steve Yang has spent his entire life in the hospitality industry, having grown up in his parents' Chinese restaurant. He is the beverage director of Slacktide in Richmond, Virginia and has been a national finalist in World Class the last 4 years.

Favorite DIAGEO spirit to work with? Talisker Scotch 10 yr