Ten bartenders from eight Brazilian states compete in São Paulo before the grand finale in Rio de Janeiro on June 8, the eve of the World Cup.
Campari Academy has announced the 10 semifinalists of the 6th edition of the Campari Bartender Competition (CBC) — Latin Journeys, the most prestigious mixology tournament of the brand in Brazil. The selected bartenders earned their spots through a rigorous evaluation process that assessed talent, technique, and creative vision.
The 10 CBC 2026 Semifinalists
Representing the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, the selected bartenders are:
- Heloísa Carneiro Lima — Feira de Santana/BA — Tchim-Tchim Coquetelaria de Origem
- Karen Cristina — Belo Horizonte/MG — Chika
- Pablo de Melo Rocha — Jaboatão dos Guararapes/PE — Ruffo
- Jonatas Henrique Evaristo da Silva — João Pessoa/PB — HCM Hotel
- Jaci Andrade — Curitiba/PR — Purplecat Bar & Records
- Rafael Miorin — Canoas/RS — Fervo
- Cassiano de Sousa Melo — Rio de Janeiro/RJ — Hotel Fairmont Rio
- Rodrigo Loureiro — Rio de Janeiro/RJ — Nosso Ipanema
- Fatinha Afonso — São Paulo/SP — Locale Itaim
- Rafael Welbert — São Paulo/SP — Grupo Vila Anália
Semifinal Experience in São Paulo
All 10 bartenders will travel to São Paulo for an immersive experience at the Campari Academy headquarters. There, they will present their signature cocktails to a panel of expert judges, who will select the three finalists of the edition.
“The Campari Bartender Competition is much more than a championship: it is a platform for development and visibility for the professionals who are redefining cocktail culture in Brazil. Seeing the technical level and passion of these 10 semifinalists fills us with pride and reinforces the Campari Group’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in Brazilian bars.” — Vinicius Löw, Marketing Director of Campari Group in Brazil
The Negroni Takes Center Stage in Rio
The grand finale is set for June 8, 2026, the eve of the FIFA World Cup, and will take place in Rio de Janeiro. In the decisive challenge, the three finalists must create an evolved, contemporary version of the classic Negroni, incorporating rituals and techniques that reflect the leading trends in modern mixology.
The event will be livestreamed and promises to be a true spectacle of creativity and craftsmanship.
A Prize That Goes Beyond the Trophy
The CBC 2026 winner takes home far more than a title. The prize package includes BRL 20,000, a cultural and gastronomic immersion trip to Mexico — host country of the next LATAM Final —, a spot to represent Brazil at the Latin American Final, and the coveted opportunity to become a Campari brand ambassador.
Event Info
- Event: 6th Campari Bartender Competition — Latin Journeys (Grand Finale)
- Date: June 8, 2026
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Prize: BRL 20,000 + trip to Mexico + LATAM Final spot + Campari Ambassador title
- Broadcast: Live stream
- More info: #CBC2026 #CBCJornadasLatinas #CampariAcademyBR
