Last fall, a "world-class" storm swept through Toronto's bartending scene. Felice Capasso from Norway won the title of "World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025," standing out from top bartenders across 51 markets and six continents.
From the bar counter in Oslo to the world stage in Toronto
Felice usually works at Nedre Løkka Cocktailbar in Oslo and is also the founder of Sesto Senso Academy, a wine and spirits education center. He teaches during the day and works behind the bar at night; his dedication to wine knowledge and skills culminates in his signature drinks that appear in competitions. In the World Class global finals in Toronto, he faced a series of challenging and creatively demanding challenges.
In the "Johnnie Walker Black Label" challenge, he boldly replaced the classic gin cocktail with a Black Label-based creation, Top Notes, which seemed to pay homage to French 75, blending the smokiness of whiskey with citrus notes. In the designated "Don Julio 1942" challenge, he drew inspiration from an AI-generated artwork to design an aperitif, attempting to tell the story of tequila from the land to the glass through its flavor. Facing the multi-sensory experience challenge of "The Singleton," he not only created a cocktail called "Between Us," but also designed a record cover for it, inspired by the classic song "That's Amore," reflecting the street corners of Naples into the glass. The judges described him as not just mixing cocktails, but designing an entire immersive experience. 
Promoting industry education and intergenerational succession
After winning this title, Felice not only received the trophy but will also be invited to serve as a global guest bartender, touring Diageo's various markets to lead courses and workshops. He will also receive airfare and mentorship resources for next year's finals. After receiving the award, he stated that World Class was not a "dream that fell from the sky" for him, but rather a long-term goal, the result of continuous practice, competition, and refinement. He also understands the importance of promoting spirits education in a more systematic way to help more young bartenders find their place.
This year's final judging panel is equally star-studded, including Eric Van Beek, creative director of Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City, which has been named one of the "World's 50 Best Bars"; Monica Berg, co-owner of Tayēr + Elementary in London, who has long been focused on innovation, education, and sustainability; and Ago Perrone, head bartender of the legendary London bar The Connaught Bar.
Ago Perrone pointed out that the influence of World Class is tangible and visible. Every year, the creativity and completeness of the contestants raise the bar, forcing the entire industry to improve. He also specifically praised Felice's performance as "mature and complete," not just for its delicious taste, but also for its clear understanding of what it wanted to convey and for whom it was made. For many aspiring contestants, such winners are not just champions on stage, but role models who will actually return to classrooms and bars, continuing to engage with people face-to-face.
In this era where cocktail culture is becoming increasingly sophisticated, world-class competitions are no longer just about who has the steady hand or the most extravagant garnish, but about who can tell a convincing story with a drink.
Last fall, Toronto's bartending scene was swept by a "world-class" storm. Felice Capasso from Norway won the title of "World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025," emerging victorious from top competitors across 51 markets and six continents. From the Oslo bar to the Toronto world stage, Felice usually sits at his bar in Oslo…
