From around the globe, 24 of the most talented bartenders have gathered in Athens for the final stage of their quest to become Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2010.

Over 9,000 bartenders set out on this year long programme to educate and inspire bartenders to create exceptional cocktails and experiences in the best bars around the world. It is the largest global stage for the craft of bartending.

In Greece, home of last year's winner Aristotelis Papadopoulos, the finalists' craft is being tested by the gods of the bartending world

Dale DeGroff, Salvatore Calabrese, Peter Dorelli, Gary Regan, Alberto Soria, and Hidetsugu Ueno - in six challenges, including Ritual & Theatre of Drinks, Speed & Taste and Cocktail Mastery.

Master distillers and blenders are on hand to impart their knowledge of the exceptional brands within the Diageo Reserve portfolio - Ketel One(R) vodka, Ciroc(R) vodka, Tanqueray(R) No.TEN(TM) gin, Don Julio(R) tequila, Zacapa(R) rum, Johnnie Walker(R) Gold Label(TM) and Blue Label(TM) Blended Scotch Whisky.

"WORLD CLASS is a truly international celebration of the flair, creativity and skill of the bartender and the appreciation of great spirit brands." says Andrew Fell, Commercial Director, Diageo Reserve.

Follow the competition at //www.weareworldclass.com, Global World Class Finals on Facebook or WorldClass2010 on Twitter.

Global Finalists

Representing Spain is Jordi Otero (Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona)

Representing Malaysia and Singapore are Amanda Wan (Vintage Bank, Kuala Lumpur) and Richard Gillam (New Asia, Swisshotel The Stamford) respectively.