Indore Bartender Karan Dhanelia Wins Diageo's World Class 2026, Expanding Premium Cocktail Culture Beyond Metros

Event summary

  • Karan Dhanelia from Indore's Atelier V won Diageo India's World Class 2026 finals, held March 27-28 in Gurgaon, emerging from 800+ entries across India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
  • This year's competition featured the highest-ever female representation in the Top 8 (3 finalists) and strong showing from Tier 2 cities like Indore and Jaipur.
  • Dhanelia's victory included wins in the Speed Round and Singleton 12 Sensory Sessions, with his onion soda and spirulina syrup cocktail impressing judges.
  • The event expanded to a two-day cocktail festival with performances by Nucleya and brand activations from Don Julio, Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, and The Singleton.
  • Dhanelia will now represent the Indian subcontinent at the World Class Global Finals later in 2026.

The big picture

Diageo's World Class competition continues to elevate India's cocktail culture, with this year's finals demonstrating growing participation from non-metro cities and increased female representation. The event's expansion into a full-scale festival reflects Diageo's strategy to engage both trade professionals and consumers, positioning its premium brands at the center of India's evolving drinking culture. With 35 manufacturing facilities and a portfolio spanning global and local brands, Diageo India is well-positioned to capitalize on the premiumization trend in the alcobev sector.

What we're watching

Regional Expansion
Whether Diageo can sustain momentum in Tier 2 cities like Indore, which accounted for multiple finalists this year.
Premiumization Strategy
How the focus on whisky-based creative cocktails will impact consumer perception of Diageo's premium brands.
Talent Development
The pace at which World Class alumni build their own brands and contribute to India's growing cocktail culture.