Diageo World Class, the prestigious annual event in the bartending industry, reached a stunning conclusion at Gokan with the Hong Kong and Macau regional finals. Quentin Luk from Qura Bar impressed the discerning judges with his unique artistic sensibility and stellar performance, clinching the title after an intense tie-breaker against John Patrick Poon from Soho House in the Top 4 Challenge. This September, Quentin will represent the region, traveling to Toronto, Canada to compete in the head-to-head global finals against champions from over 60 cities worldwide, vying for the ultimate honour in the world of mixology.
The regional finals of the Diageo World Class Competition tested 10 emerging bartenders from Hong Kong and Macau across two distinct challenges, designed to push their creativity, technical skills and mastery of flavours. The first challenge, “Luceo Non Uro”—the Latin phrase meaning “I shine, not burn”, which is also the motto of The Singleton of Glen Ord— tasked bartenders with crafting two innovative cocktails using The Singleton as the base spirit to demonstrate the art of balancing modern mixology techniques with classic craftsmanship.
Four advancing bartenders—Jack Ng (Argo), John Patrick Poon (Soho House), Matt Stephens (Gokan) and Quentin Luk (Qura Bar)—entered the ultimate showdown, “THE 6th ELEMENT”. Racing against the clock, they created a menu of five cocktails in just six minutes, featuring Diageo Reserve’s portfolio, including Don Julio (Blanco, Reposado, Añejo), Tanqueray No. TEN, Ketel One, Rum Zacapa 23 and Bulleit Bourbon or Rye. This challenge demanded not only imagination but also artistic flair, whether through painting, music, literature, or other art forms as the “sixth element,” with each bartender infusing their creations with personal stories and cultural depth to forge a genuine emotional connection with drinkers.
World Class 2025 not only shapes the rising stars in mixology but also brings together esteemed professionals from diverse backgrounds as judges, sharing a varied voice in this ever-changing landscape. The distinguished lineup includes Shelley Tai, a powerhouse in the bar scene and Diageo World Class Hong Kong & Macau Bartender of the Year in 2019; Massimo Zitti, the craftsman behind Mother Cocktail Bar and 2022 World Class Canada Regional Champion; Shingo Gokan, the innovator and founder of Gokan and SG Club; and Charmaine Mok, a well-liked media professional known for her undeniable passion for F&B culture.
Soon to be the epitome of talent and innovation in the industry, Quentin showcased five unique cocktails during “THE 6th ELEMENT” Challenge, themed “The Segment.” Each cocktail was inspired by human personalities—Erudite, Abnegation, Dauntless, Candor and Amity—and crafted with natural elements like crystal, sand, fire, glass and flowers. In the decisive add-on round, both finalists were tasked with creating a classic Don Julio margarita using simple ingredients, judged solely on taste and technique. Quentin’s outstanding performance secured his victory, and he will represent the Hong Kong and Macau region at the global finals in Toronto, Canada, this September 2025.
