The Ultimate Rum-Bartender, one of the world’s most respected competitions dedicated exclusively to rum-based mixology, officially returns for its 2026 edition. Now entering its fourth installment, the international competition continues to position itself as a global platform where creativity, hospitality, storytelling, and rum culture come together at the highest level.
This year, 26 elite bartenders from across the globe will compete for one of the most prestigious recognitions in the rum and cocktail industry, representing countries throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond.
More than a competition, The Ultimate Rum-Bartender has evolved into a worldwide celebration of rum culture and the professionals who dedicate their craft to elevating it through innovation, education, and hospitality.
Organized by Leaders in Global Rum Culture
The competition is organized by a team of influential figures in the international spirits and hospitality industry:
– Federico Hernández, Director of The Rum Lab and founder of major rum festivals across the United States and Puerto Rico, including Taste of Rum and the California, Chicago, Miami, and New York Rum Congresses.
– Carlos Riveros, founder of the Tiki League and Latin America Cocktail Championship, with more than 2,000 participating bartenders across its editions and a key figure in the development of tropical cocktail culture in Latin America.
– Nestor Parra, bartender, educator, Ronmellier 2026, founder & CEO of Mixologist Bar, and international promoter of sustainable cocktail culture and hospitality education.
– Pablo Mosquera, internationally recognized cocktail consultant and spirits specialist known for his expertise in rum and vintage distillates.
Together, they have built a competition that not only recognizes technical excellence, but also promotes the global appreciation of rum through education, creativity, and cultural exchange.
An Exceptional International Jury
This year’s edition will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of internationally recognized rum experts, educators, ambassadors, and hospitality leaders:
– Cyrille Hugon (France) — Founder of Rhum Fest Paris and co-creator of Rumporter Magazine, one of Europe’s most influential voices in premium rum culture.
– Jonathan “Piraña” Cerna (El Salvador) — Award-winning Salvadoran mixologist, rum educator, and internationally recognized cocktail competitor.
– Gastón Santandreu (Uruguay) — Luxury beverage specialist, tiki culture ambassador, and experiential mixology expert known for his work across Latin America.
– Óscar Lafuente (Spain) — World Best Rum Bartender and Global Ambassador for Destilerías Arehucas.
– Francisco “Don Pancho” Fernández (Cuba/Panama) — Legendary rum master with decades of experience producing some of the world’s most respected rums.
– Rocío Jael (Argentina) — Rum specialist and tropical cocktail storyteller recognized for her sensory-driven approach to hospitality.
– José Rafa Malém (Cuba) — Honorary President of the Association of Bartenders of Cuba and member of the IBA Hall of Fame, widely regarded as one of the great guardians of Cuban cantinero tradition.
– Yon Pavón (Spain) — Basque Culinary Center educator and specialist in contemporary cocktail techniques and Cuban rum culture.
Alongside the organizing team, the jury will evaluate competitors based on creativity, rum knowledge, technical execution, presentation, storytelling, and overall contribution to cocktail culture.
A Global Stage for the World’s Best Rum Bartenders
Participation in The Ultimate Rum-Bartender is by selection only. Each bartender invited to compete has demonstrated outstanding talent, innovation, and influence within the world of rum mixology and hospitality.
The nominated bartenders for the 2026 edition are:
– Wilmer Rodríguez (Dominican Republic)
– Youci (Chile)
– Raquel Álvarez (Spain)
– Edwin Selva Sequeira (Nicaragua)
– Carlos Arley García (Venezuela)
– Minor Castillo Valdez (Costa Rica)
– John Rojas (Peru)
– Bruno Pereira (Uruguay)
– Javier Barbecho (Spain)
– Walter Sotolongo Lorenzo (Cuba)
– Gastón Rodríguez (Argentina)
– Jonathan Silvero (Argentina)
– Giovanny García (Ecuador)
– Javier Poveda (Costa Rica)
– Roger Paulino (Brazil)
– Edwin Borrero (Puerto Rico)
– Ricardo Fuenzalida (Chile)
– Luis Alberto Castro Moreno (Peru)
– Daniel Gil (El Salvador)
– Yovanny Bruno (Peru)
– Giancarlo Hincapié (Colombia)
– Génesis Gelvez (Venezuela)
– Graciliano Pereira (Venezuela)
– Felipe Díaz (Chile)
– Fabio Cardozo (Panama)
– Nelson Maldonado (Honduras)
Together, they represent a new generation of bartenders shaping the future of rum culture through education, sustainability, tropical mixology, fine hospitality, and innovation behind the bar.
Competition Format
The 2026 edition will once again combine expert judging and public participation, reinforcing the competition’s mission to connect industry excellence with the global rum community.
Two major awards will be presented:
– The Ultimate Rum-Bartender 2026 — Selected by the expert jury based on creativity, technique, execution, and mastery of rum.
– Most Popular Rum-Bartender 2026 — Chosen by public vote through TheUltimateAwards.com.
Key Dates
– Public Voting Period: May 22–29, 2026
– Winners Announcement: June 3, 2026
– Awards Ceremony: June 20, 2026
The official awards ceremony will take place during the Spain Rum & Gin Expo at Plaza Caleido in Madrid, Spain.
International Recognition and Industry Celebration
The winners will receive international recognition, official certification, editorial exposure through The Rum Lab and partner media outlets, and recognition during an exclusive ceremony attended by leading figures in the spirits and hospitality industry.
Since its creation, The Ultimate Rum-Bartender has become one of the most respected global platforms dedicated entirely to rum mixology — celebrating not only cocktail craftsmanship, but also the cultural stories, traditions, and communities behind every bottle of rum.
As the 2026 edition begins, the competition once again invites the world to raise a glass to creativity, hospitality, and the spirit that continues to unite bartenders across continents.
Get Involved
Public voting opens on May 22, 2026.
To vote and learn more about the competition, visit:
