The countdown to the Diageo World Class GB 2026 finals is officially on, and this year’s Top 10 finalists are ready to showcase their skill, creativity and passion behind the bar. Among them are familiar faces returning with experience and refined technique alongside six exciting newcomers eager to make their mark. We sit down Murder Inc’s Oscar Perry ahead of the final tomorrow to talk about his journey to the competition, the inspiration behind his drinks and what it means to be competing for the Diageo World Class GB 2026 title.

What was your reaction when you found out you’d made the Top 10 for Diageo World Class GB 2026 – and having reached this stage before, does it feel even more meaningful this time around?

Three measures of absolute glee, one of anticipation and half a measure of terror, shaken and served cold! Jokes aside, I’m thrilled to be back. My expectation of myself has definitely grown since making it last year, and so being back feels like an opportunity to showcase how I’ve matured in my craft since then. I feel more confident, sharpened and thirsty!

You’ve been here before – how does your mindset going into the 2026 final differ from previous years; what have past experiences taught you about competing at this level?

The scale of World Class is so much larger than you could possibly anticipate, and it’s that pressure that produces the standard of work we get to see every year. I would say, however, that I allowed myself to fall into that pressure too heavily. This year, I want to be enveloped in the process, and enjoy every moment. I believe that my level of work is at its best right now, and carrying that confidence into the finals is absolutely essential.

World Class is known for testing creativity, technical skill, and performance under pressure. Which aspect are you most excited about heading into the finals; and how has your bartending style or approach changed since your last appearance in the competition?

Creativity all the way! Everyone in the Top 10 is so interesting, and the approaches are going to be so varied. I consider World Class a prime canvas for creative expression, and put everything into my presentations. Witnessing my 9 colleagues do the same is such a great joy.