Two days of semi-finals saw 38 bartenders make drinks on stage in front of a live audience which was also broadcast to eight varieties of social media networks in China.
Monica Berg, who was on the judging panel, said: “I think it’s insane, 200,000 people watching in China is amazing. It’s incredible for all of the competing bartenders and their drinks.
“There were a few bartenders that really blew my mind today so it’s going to be really difficult to choose the finalists. We’re going to discuss the selections now and hopefully come to a decision.”
Grace Tsai from Taiwan and Allen Fang from China were the final two performances on day two of the semi-finals and each bartender was given seven minutes to create two cocktails, which were then adjudicated by a panel of five industry experts.
The eight finalists will be announced at a dinner later tonight, May 22, meaning 30 bartenders will be eliminated from the competition.
The final will take place on Tuesday 23 May, more to follow…
