Indore: Known for its vibrant food culture and lively spirit, Indore has once again brought pride to the nation. Adding to the city’s growing reputation for talent, Karan Dhanelia has been crowned “Bartender of the Year 2026” at the prestigious Diageo World Class 2026 Finals.
Representing Atelier V, Dhanelia achieved this remarkable feat in just his second year in the profession. Along with the top title, he also won the Speed Round and The Singleton 12 Sensory Sessions challenge, showcasing exceptional skill and creativity.
The grand finale, held at Le Méridien Gurgaon, saw Dhanelia impress judges with his calm demeanor, confidence, and innovative flavor combinations. His signature cocktail—featuring unique ingredients like onion soda and spirulina syrup—stood out for its originality and balance.
Praising his performance, Aanchal Kaushal of Diageo India highlighted Dhanelia’s confidence and composure as key strengths that set him apart from other competitors.
With this victory, Dhanelia will now represent the Indian subcontinent at the global finals of the competition. Expressing his gratitde, he said the win holds immense significance for him and that representing Indore on an international platform is a matter of great pride.
This achievement further reinforces Indore’s status not only as a culinary capital but also as a hub of emerging talent across diverse fields.
