Discover the program
- The Competition
- How to Enter
- Key Dates
- Global Mentors
- Prizes
SIP Supernova 2026 - Sensory Architecture
Launched in 2022, SIP Supernova has quickly become a global stage for emerging Hospitality talent. Rooted in SIP’s mission to Share, Inspire, Pioneer, the competition unites hospitality by connecting, empowering, and celebrating professionals worldwide.
SIP Supernova is more than a cocktail competition - it recognises the full spectrum of hospitality skills, offering education and growth opportunities at every stage.
In 2025, SIP Supernova returns with an evolved approach focused on supporting the next generation of industry legends.
Only open to Hospitality professionals with a maximum of 6 years’ experience, SIP Supernova is designed to support bartenders before, during and beyond the competition itself, empowering each participant with educational tools & experiences to help them to grow, connect and shape their future in the hospitality industry.
This year’s edition brings together seven Hero Brands: Código 1530, KI NO BI, Altos, Havana Club, Absolut, Jameson and Monkey 47, and explores the idea of Sensory Architecture, focusing on what truly makes a great drink and a memorable experience. Because enjoying a cocktail is about more than flavour, it’s about how it looks, feels, sounds and the emotions it leaves behind.
How To Enter ? More Than Cocktails
SIP Supernova isn’t just about recipes - it’s about the future of hospitality.
We’ve designed a competition giving you a chance to show your experience in three essential hospitality areas : Creativity & Innovation, Hosting & Service, Leadership & Operations.
3 Steps to Apply:
- SHARE – Your Serve
Design a drink that engages multiple senses. Be as creative as you like, remembering that we experience a cocktail through more than sight, sound, taste, touch & smell (picture & method)
- INSPIRE – Your Story
Tell us about your journey in hospitality: we want to hear what fuels your growth, community and creativity (essay or video)
- PIONEER – Your Ideas
Show your forward-thinking side: what is the current big issue in the hospitality industry and what solutions you would love to imagine (essay or video)
Who Can Enter
- This competition is open to bartenders with 6 years’ experience or less.
- If you’ve been working in the Hospitality world for longer, you’re invited to join our MentorSIP events and follow the competition journey - but you’re not eligible to compete.
- You’ll have the possibility to start your application, save it and finalize it at a later stage during the application window set in your country.
- If your country isn’t hosting a local Supernova, you can still take part through the Global Wild Card, open to bartenders worldwide
Key Dates: From Applications to the Global Final in Tokyo
Check your region's key dates, but here’s the global journey for SIP Supernova 2026
27 October
Wild Card application opening
15 December
Wild Card application closing
1 Nov
South Africa Application opens
30 December
Application for South Africa closes
24 February
South Africa Local Competition starts
26 April
Private MentorSIP Sessions with the Supernova finalists
9-14 May
Global Final in Tokyo
Meet the Mentors
Danil Nevsky
Co-founder of Indie Bartender, @cocktailman
THE STORYTELLER Growing culture, building movements, and engaging audiences beyond the bar.
Discover the profile
Juliette Larrouy
Co-founder of Schmuck, NYC
THE CREATIVE Shaping flavour, technique and presentation with originality and craft.
Discover the profile
Keith Motsi
Head bartender & Beverage operations, Virtù at Four Seasons, Tokyo
THE HOST - Master of guest experience, leading with warmth, care, and everyday excellence.
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Jean Trinh
Founder of Alquímico, Cartegena
THE ARCHITECT - Building smart, scalable, sustainable systems that support quality and consistency.
Discover the profile
The Prizes
At SIP Supernova, there are multiple winners, because we celebrate the full spectrum of hospitality talent.
National Finals
Each market will reward its national champions with exclusive prizes ranging from brand experiences and bar tools to guest shifts opportunities and cash prizes. Check with your market team for full details.
Global winners
The three best performers will embark on an exclusive SIP internship including a deep education program hosted by a World 50 Best Bars awarded team, followed by an exclusive invitation to discover our Código 1530 Tequila Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow, connect, and inspire.
Meet Last Year's Winners
Heri Yanto
Winner 2025
Radenajeng
Winner 2025
Cynthcia Li
Winner 2025
Jack Mi Li
Winner 2025
Sara Xin Wen
Winner 2025
Nick Qi Jia
Winner 2025
Nguyen Thanh Quang
Winner 2025
Prashnat Sangwan
Winner 2025
Nikita Jein Parengkuan
Winner 2025
Sangwoo Park
Winner 2025
Alain Kim Chang
Winner 2025
Seungmin Choi
Winner 2025
Bin Alinor
Winner 2025
Danmarc Santos
Winner 2025
Cassandra Sim
Winner 2025
Chu Nguyet Anh
Winner 2025
Nattachai Yuanlaie
Winner 2025
Pitt Punpiputt
Winner 2025
Atchana Intarangsri
Winner 2025
Ruben Kolosa
Winner 2025
© World’s Best Bars 2025. All Rights Reserved.
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