Head Bartender of The Singapore EDITION triumphs over 60 contenders to secure a spot at the UBC Regional Finals in Tokyo.

Following an action-packed evening of skill, speed, and creativity at Bae’s Cocktail Club on Monday, 28 July, Monkey Shoulder is proud to announce Wong Wee Siong, Head Bartender at The Lobby Bar, The Singapore EDITION, as the Singapore winner of the 2025 Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC), which saw 60 competitors from the city’s vibrant F&B scene competing for the coveted title.

Wee Siong emerged victorious against a talented group of finalists, consisting of Christopher Foo (Cat Bite Club), Gerry Li (Artyzen Hotel Singapore), and Joel Accad (Silly Goose), in a competition designed to test the essential skills of bartending. Wee Siong rose to the top across every stage of the competition, demonstrating exceptional skill, composure, and mastery under pressure,  culminating in a standout performance in the high-stakes ‘Round Building’ finale that secured his victory.

With more than a decade of experience in hospitality, Wee Siong impressed referees with his calm approach, accuracy, and consistency under pressure. His win secures him a place at the first-ever UBC Regional Finals in Tokyo this October, where he will represent Singapore against champions from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea.

“This win is incredibly exciting,” said Wee Siong after his victory. “I just focused on staying calm, having fun, and doing what I do every day behind the bar. Tokyo will be my first time competing internationally, and I can’t wait to embrace the experience, showcase my skills, and enjoy every moment of it.”

Since its launch in 2015, the Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender Championship has grown into a truly global platform, taking place in more than 21 countries and welcoming over 8,000 participants to date. Anyone working within the F&B or hospitality industry can take part, as long as they bring their passion for bartending and their A-game. Far from a traditional cocktail contest, UBC rewrites the rulebook, challenging participants with real-world tasks that celebrate the core craft of bartending while helping them refine their skills and advance their careers.

This year’s Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender Championship brought together 60 competitors from Singapore’s top bars to battle for the crown

“The Ultimate Bartender Championship is all about testing the ‘skills that pay the bills’ while celebrating the creativity and community spirit of bartenders worldwide,” says Joe Petch, Monkey Shoulder Global Brand Ambassador. “Every year, we see incredible energy, skill and personality behind the bar, and this year is no exception. UBC continues to create opportunities for bartending talent to shine on a global stage — bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever.”

UBC boasts six rigorous high-energy challenges that test participants on every facet of bartending. A quick-fire Quiz Round to assess industry knowledge is followed by the Pouring Round, where competitors race to pour five cocktails accurately. The Nosing Challenge tests olfactory skills, requiring participants to identify the category and brands of 10 different liquids in just three minutes. Participants then face the Table Service Challenge, where they take orders and serve drinks promptly and correctly. 

The Perfect Serve Challenge requires competitors to craft a Monkey Shoulder Gold Rush cocktail, which will then be judged on speed, balance, hygiene, and temperature. Finally, those with the top scores progress to the Round Building Challenge, which tests their skills in preparing 10 different classic cocktails efficiently and accurately. A panel of referees evaluates the competitors based on ingredient accuracy, hygiene, service speed, and balance of flavours, ultimately determining the champion. 

“This year’s Singapore championship showcased an incredible level of skill and creativity from all the competitors,” said Brendon Khoo, Monkey Shoulder Regional Brand Ambassador, Southeast Asia. “Wee Siong impressed us with his composure, consistency, and ability to deliver under pressure. That balance of calm focus and technical expertise is exactly what sets great bartenders apart. We’re looking forward to seeing him bring that same approach to Tokyo and make Singapore proud on the regional stage.”

The first-ever Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender Championship Regional Finals will take place in Tokyo from 10th to 12th October alongside the DMC World DJ Championships.