Hsu Po-Sheng from Taiwan took the top prize at flairtending, or pouring drinks with flair, at the Asian Cocktail Championship recently held in Macau after impressing the judges with his song-and-dance routine and cocktail.
He was up against 21 contestants from China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau, all dressed to impress as they twirled bottles and juggled glasses to a thumping disco beat.
“I practice every day. Everyday after going to school I return home and practice. I practice a maximum of 8 hours a day but at least 3 to 4 hours,” a beaming Hsu told Reuters.
Strict competition rules allowed each competitor five minutes to create a cocktail, with as much showmanship as possible.
“I judge them for entertainment. That’s what they’re there for. That’s what I’m looking for,” said judge Maggie Beale.
Flairtending is big business in Asia, where several countries have professional associations. Talented bar tenders are also in demand by the hospitality industry, and in places such as gambling haven Macau.