Nic Wallace Crowned 2025 World Class U.S. Bartender of the Year
The United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) is proud to announce Nic Wallace of Darien, Georgia, as the 2025 World Class U.S. Bartender of the Year. Wallace earned the top honor at this year’s USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by Diageo competition, held in Atlanta, GA.
Now in its thirteenth season, the prestigious three-day event brought together the Top 30 bartenders from across the country for a series of five rigorous challenges designed to test every facet of cocktail craftsmanship—from speed and precision to creativity and hospitality. Wallace’s standout performances, marked by his attention to detail, Southern-rooted storytelling, and showmanship, ultimately secured his victory and the chance to represent the United States at the Global Finals in Toronto, Canada this fall.
With more than 20 years in hospitality and over a decade competing in World Class, Wallace has long been a fixture in the bartending community. His win is a testament to persistence, passion, and regional pride.
“This was my chance to represent Georgia—Atlanta, specifically—as the only competitor from the state,” Wallace shared. “I had to show up and bring the South home a championship.”
Throughout the competition, finalists tackled unique challenges such as pairing a Bulleit cocktail with a Southern dish, crafting two original creations using Don Julio 70 Cristalino, and completing a high-speed round featuring six Diageo Reserve cocktails—all judged on balance, technique, and guest experience. After making it to the final round, Wallace clinched the title with two signature drinks: Soul of the South and All Glowed Up, both of which wowed the judges.
Wallace will go on to compete at the World Class Global Finals in Toronto, Canada, from September 27 to October 2, 2025, where he’ll represent the U.S. on the international stage.
