Bartenders vie for cash and the coveted Ultimate Flair Bartending Championship Title


Harrah's Carnaval Court welcomes the world's most skilled flair bartenders June 3 -5, for the fourth annual international bartending competition, Ultimate Flair Bartending Championship (UFBC). The outdoor, Strip-side venue has earned the reputation as the world's premier flair bar, thus it is fitting that the best-of-the-best flock to Carnaval Court to compete for the title of UFBC champ. $60,000 in cash prizes is up for grabs in this three day competition.


UFBC contestants flip, spin, throw, balance and catch bottles, drinks, and various bar staples as they compete in one of four divisions: professional, semi-professional, tandem and women's. The bartenders must qualify in a series of preliminary events during the first two days of the competition to vie for a spot in the finals on the third day. The grand prize winner will be awarded $25,000 cash, a professional flair bar, and a guaranteed seat in the Roadhouse Flair Finals, another world-class, international flair competition in Europe.  Last year's pro division champ, Christian Delpech, and women's division champ, Ati Grinspun will be back this year to defend their titles.


In addition to the most technical and precise flair moves, crowd-pleasing performances from previous years' competition included acrobatics, pyrotechnics, costuming, high-energy music and elaborate choreography.


"UFBC has earned the reputation as the most fiercely competitive flair contest in the world," said Jim Laughlin, Director of Food and Beverage at Harrah's Las Vegas. "Each year the performances are more intricate, over-the-top and impressive; it's an honor to have so much talent at Carnaval Court at one time."


The event, sponsored by Pepsi, Smirnoff, Corona Light, Southern Comfort and Red Bull,  is the nation's highest paying flair bartending competition and continues to gain popularity among elite flair bartenders.  Their performances are judged on skill and creativity rather than just technical proficiency, allowing each bartender to showcase their talent. A panel of five judges, all seasoned flair bartenders, come from around the globe to crown the UFBC champs.


Tickets are $30 and may be purchased by calling (800) 392-9002.


Harrah's Hotel and Casino