By Ankita Dey :- The 8th edition of the Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender Championship was launched in Kolkata on August 7, 2025, at Little Bit Sober. Over 130 talented bartenders participated in the city’s leg, showcasing their skills in five mixology challenges under the Bartender Rumble format.
Top Finalists from Kolkata:
- Surajit, Olterra
- Anil, ATM Bar
- Ishardeep, Highland Nectar – ITC Sonar
These finalists will compete with other city-round winners at the grand finale in September 2025. The national winner will represent India at the regional finale in Tokyo and compete on a global stage at the DMC World DJ Championship.
Championship Host and Judges:
- Pankaj Balachandran, Host – UBC 2025 and respected name in India’s bar community
- Kapila Sethi Kad, Head of Marketing, William Grant & Sons India
The championship aims to recognize and nurture talent in India’s bartending community, providing a platform for bartenders to showcase their skills and creativity. The competition will travel to eight cities, including Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Gurugram, before the India finale.
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