OUR STORY

Where It All Began

The story of flair bartending in Zante began back in 2005, when the Lagana Flair Competition first took place on the sandy beaches of Laganas.

Created by American organizer Drake, it started as a friendly contest among local bartenders and bars.

Although simple in its first edition, it quickly became an annual highlight, growing in energy and excitement until 2007 — laying the foundations for what would become one of Europe’s most iconic Flair Bartending & Cocktail Competitions.

Rising to the International Stage

In 2008, Greek Flair Bartending Champion George Kaponis brought new life and global ambition to the competition through a partnership with London’s legendary Roadhouse.

The top three competitors from Laganas would now qualify for the Roadhouse World Open, giving Zante an international flair spotlight.

The event became a legendary reunion for island workers and bartenders — filled with passion, creativity, and local pride — and introduced Zante’s bartending talent to the global stage.

2012 – A New Era

In 2012, (Dennis) Dionysios Kalogerias took over and rebranded the event as the Zante Flair Open.

This marked a turning point: the competition gained worldwide recognition, attracted top-tier bartenders and mixologists, and became a must-attend stop on the global flair circuit.

Each year, it continued to grow in scale, production, and prestige — combining professional judging standards with the fun, free-spirited energy that defines Zante.

2017–2019 – The Shipwreck Beach Legend

One of the most iconic chapters in flair history came when the finals were held at the world-famous The Shipwreck Beach and Cameo Private Island.

With special permission from the Municipality of Zakynthos, judges and VIP guests arrived by helicopter, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

Competing on The Shipwreck Beach became a once-in-a-lifetime experience for every bartender fortunate enough to take the stage — a moment that forever linked flair bartending with one of the world’s most breathtaking locations.

Today – A World-Class Flair Bartending & Cocktail Competition

Today, the Zante Flair Open stands as an official WFA Grand Slam Competition, part of the World Flair Association’s Grand Slam Tour — the highest level of flair bartending and cocktail competition in the world.

Much like Formula 1, bartenders earn points for the global Grand Slam leaderboard, climbing the ranks through creativity, precision, and performance.

Since 2025, the entire competition — from the qualifiers to the grand final — has also been broadcast live on our official YouTube channel, allowing fans around the world to experience the excitement of the Zante Flair Open in real time.

We proudly collaborate with:

 

  • The Municipality of Zakynthos and the Zakynthos Tourism Association

  • The Zakynthos Chamber of Commerce

  • The Ionian Islands Regional Government

  • The British Embassy

  • Rythmos Radio

  • Local businesses, bars, restaurants, and hotels

  • And our main sponsor, Stoli Greece, proudly supporting the event for 13 consecutive years

 

The Zante Flair Open also supports Zante Strays, a local charity dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and rehoming stray animals across the island.

More Than a Competition

The Zante Flair Open is not just about flair — it’s about connection, creativity, and culture.

It offers participants the perfect blend of high-level flair bartending, mixology, and unforgettable island experiences:

boat trips, traditional Greek nights, beach parties, and Zante’s vibrant nightlife.

What truly makes the event stand out is its commitment to local culture and flavor.

Bartenders craft their cocktails using fresh, local Zakynthian ingredients — from citrus fruits and herbs to honey and traditional liqueurs — transforming every drink into a genuine taste of Zakynthos.

The Zante Flair Open is where competition meets celebration — a festival of skill, artistry, and friendship that unites flair bartenders from around the world.

Join the Experience

 

The Zante Flair Open is more than an event — it’s a celebration of talent, friendship, and island life.

Whether you’re a competitor, a sponsor, or a guest, one thing is certain:

You’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime.

→ Join us this summer 2026 in Zakynthos. Feel the energy. Live the flair.

Watch us live on YouTube: Zante Flair Open YouTube Channel

WFA Grand Slam

Zante Flair Open is also a  WFA Grand Slam competition and is part of the Grand Slam Tour where bartenders will earn their points into the Grand Slam leaderboard. 

A GrandSlam is the highest class of flair bartending competition sanctioned by the World Flair Association (WFA). The WFA GrandSlam has been the premier form of flair bartending competition since its inaugural season in 2008.

A WFA GrandSlam season consists of a series of competitions which take place worldwide, each recognised as a GrandSlam event.

The WFA Grand Slam works on a points system similar to the F1 Grand Prix but without all the teams. Everyone is free to compete and all the events around the world are linked into one tournament. Have a look to see who is currently ranked at the top of the Grand Slam Tournament on WFA website.