The grand finale of the world’s largest flair bartending league, the World Flair Association Grand Slam, is fast approaching. On November 19 and 20, Warsaw will become the global bartending capital, hosting the final event of this year’s series. The ultimate decisions and crowning of this year’s champion will take place in Food Town at Norblin Factory. Entry to the competition and accompanying events is free.
Following prestigious competitions in Helsinki, London, Las Vegas, and Rome, the Food Town Flair Challenge will be the sixth and final event of the 2023 WFA Grand Slam season. Currently, Italy’s Michael Moreni leads the overall standings, but his advantage over Argentina’s Roman Zapata, who holds second place, is slim. Enrico Meloni, also from Italy, is in third. It will be at the Warsaw finale where the title will be decided between these top three contenders, guaranteeing an intense and thrilling showdown on the Gimlet Live stage.
“We are thrilled to once again host the WFA Grand Slam at Food Town. This time, we’re especially excited to welcome the final competition, which consistently generates huge interest and excitement. We’ve prepared numerous attractions and contests for our guests, with each day ending in a lively after-party full of music and exquisite cocktails. It’s going to be a true feast for the senses! Entry is free, so I warmly invite everyone to join this prestigious and—hopefully—unforgettable event,” says Tomasz Małek, organizer of the Food Town Challenge.
Over two days of spectacular competition in Poland’s largest food hall, the audience will have the opportunity to watch 70 of the world’s best flair bartenders perform dazzling shows, featuring dynamic bottle and shaker throws. Flair, which combines the art and technique of juggling bar tools, will transform Norblin Factory into a stage filled with music, lights, and exceptional cocktails. The event is free to attend—a fantastic opportunity to see the best in their field live.
In addition to competing for the league title, participants at the Warsaw finale will vie for cash prizes totaling €12,000, with €5,000 awarded to the winner of the Warsaw contest. Additional awards will be given in the categories of Best Cocktail, Best Female, and Best Polish Bartender.
The competition kicks off on November 19 (Tuesday) at 14:00, when all participants will showcase their skills. The top ten will advance to the grand final on November 20 (Wednesday) at 20:30, where the final result will be determined. Judges, including flair legends Tom Dyer, Andy Collinson, and Denny Bakiev, as well as tasting experts from the industry, will assess participants’ precision, technique, and creativity.
Organized by Tomasz Małek, a flair master and trainer, the Food Town Flair Challenge promises to be an exciting event full of adrenaline, art, and world-class bartending skills. After the competition concludes, guests will have the chance to join the after-party, a fitting celebration for two days of passion and mastery.