The grand finale of BAR MASTERS 2025 turned Sofia into the centre of bar culture

Pavel Nenov is the new winner of the title "Bar Master 2025 of Bulgaria"

The seventh edition of the emblematic BAR MASTERS program concluded with a thrilling two-day final on September 29 and 30 in Sofia. Organized by Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria, this initiative, which has united the bartending community in the country for years, once again offered inspiration, new opportunities, and exciting experiences from the world of cocktails. After months of competitive selections, challenges, and trainings, 20 of the best bartenders in Bulgaria competed in four rounds testing their creativity and technique. The jury, composed of world-renowned experts, unanimously awarded first place to Pavel Nenov, whose cocktail Post Shift Michelada impressed with taste, storytelling, and flawless execution. Second place was deservedly won by Tsvetan Kaloyanov with the cocktail Crème Du La Crème, while Chris Nenov took third place with the cocktail Two Hands, One Journey.

The beginning of BAR MASTERS 2025 was marked back in April with an exclusive two-day event featuring some of the most recognizable names on the global bar scene. The program continued with three competitive rounds that prepared the participants for the decisive final showdown. The first stage took place on social media, where professionals had to present a modern interpretation of classic cocktails and showcase their recipes through creative visual content. In the second round, 29 of the country’s top bartenders created their own pop-up bars and presented signature concepts and drinks. The last of the preliminary rounds - the traditional BAR MASTERS bartending camp - once again took place outside Bulgaria. In a two-day adventure in Bucharest, 21 participants showcased their skills, while the top performers from the previous stage had the opportunity to guest-bartend at iconic local venues.

The final stage in Sofia challenged the contestants with a series of trials, each more attractive and demanding than the previous one. The competition kicked off with the Espresso Martini Challenge, where bartenders presented their version of the Finlandia Espresso Martini using only ingredients from a Mystery Box. In the second round, the top 15 had just 3 minutes to create an impressive Highball cocktail and qualify for the next stage. Only 8 contestants advanced to the third round - The Signature Cocktail - where they told personal stories through their creations. In the last Multi-Sensorial Challenge, the four finalists had to captivate the jury’s senses, with judges tasting the cocktails blindfolded, relying solely on taste and aroma. The task was to craft a drink that tells a story, engages more than one sense, and leaves a lasting impression.

The final was evaluated by a distinguished jury of leading names in the global bar industry. Among them was Simone Caporale, internationally acclaimed bartender, winner of the International Bartender of the Year title, former head of the legendary Artesian in London, and co-founder of Sips Barcelona - the world’s №1 bar in 2023 according to The World’s 50 Best Bars. His presence was the highlight of the event - he not only judged the competition but also closed the BAR MASTERS 2025 final with a spectacular bartending performance. Joining him on the jury were Dickie Cullimore, Global Brand Ambassador of Bacardi, and Giannis Oikonomou, Brand Ambassador of Schweppes for Northern Greece and Bar Manager of Casablanca Social Club.

The winner Pavel Nenov received a prize of BGN 10,000 - the largest in BAR MASTERS history. The runner-up Tsvetan Kaloyanov was awarded BGN 4,000, while the third place Chris Nenov earned BGN 2,000. Bartenders ranking from fourth to tenth place received SBB vouchers worth BGN 150 each. The event was open to the public and attracted hundreds of professionals and cocktail culture enthusiasts, transforming Sofia into a true capital of the bar scene.

BAR MASTERS 2025 was made possible with the support of leading brands from Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria’s rich 24/7 portfolio, including Schweppes, Finlandia, Bacardi, Martini, Jack Daniel’s, El Jimador, Brugal 1888, Highland Park, Jägermeister, and Caffe Vergnano.

Consume responsibly!
www.konsumirai-otgovorno.bg