Meet the Team Behind the FBA
The Flair Bartenders’ Association (FBA) is built by bartenders, for bartenders. Our team is made up of seasoned professionals from all corners of the industry—competition champions, hospitality veterans, trainers, and innovators—who have dedicated their careers to the art of bartending. Each member has honed their craft behind the bar, on the competition stage, and in leadership roles across the industry. Having gained so much from their experiences, they’ve stepped up to give back, ensuring that the next generation of flair bartenders has the support, education, and opportunities to grow.
Driven by passion and a shared commitment to the bartending community, the FBA staff works tirelessly to promote the craft, elevate standards, and create a global network of support for bartenders at every level. Whether organizing world-class competitions, developing training programs, or mentoring up-and-coming talent, they are here to inspire and push the industry forward. At the FBA, we believe in passing the torch—because when we lift each other up, we raise the bar for everyone.
The FBA Board of Directors is comprised of those that have gone over and above the call of duty since the FBA’s creation in 1997. All FBA Board Members have proven themselves with dedication for progressing the sport of flair bartending as well as helping to grow the FBA on a global level. Feel free to contact any of our board members with any concerns that may arise with the FBA.
With over 30 years behind the bar, keyboard, or on camera… Rob Husted and his company BarWars LLC have a vast market reach and respect within the hospitality industry. His influence on classic and current trends has been sought out by numerous organizations – from the United States Bartenders’ Guild to The Food Network. Whether he’s behind the bar educating consumers or speaking at educational seminars to the elite family of bartenders, his passion motivates others.
To further add to his reach, Rob runs an event staffing company called Cocktails4Hire where they staff and showcase many different styles of bartenders for events and consumers worldwide.
With over 30 years of experience in the bartending industry, I have had the honor of being a founding member of the original Flair Bartenders Association. Throughout my career, I’ve embraced various roles, including corporate trainer and Director of Beverage Applications for American Beverage Marketers since 2010. My passion for innovation led me to invent the Flairco Flair Bottle and Portable Bar, along with creating award-winning Bartender Training DVDs. Additionally, my background as a close-up magician has added a unique dimension to my performances behind the bar.
As a competitor and winner in both flair and classic bartending competitions, I have traveled the world to promote brands and train hospitality professionals. My journey has been deeply fulfilling, and I remain dedicated to sharing my knowledge and expertise to inspire the next generation of bartenders. It is my hope to create opportunities for aspiring talents, fostering a vibrant community within the bartending profession.
Each year, we keep a close watch on top flair bartenders around the world to invite to help promote the FBA in their area. Invitations are extended not just for flair skill and accomplishments; but also for attitude, commitment, and contribution to the art and sport. FBA Ambassadors are organized at a level under our National Representatives.
Mariano Gil Jr is a Professional Bartender from the United States of America. He is the owner/operator of Shot Republic, El Privado, and The Laboratory in Brownsville, Texas. As well as an active member of United States Bartenders Guild. His consulting company Global Bar Solutions provides hospitality training all over the world. Mariano currently represents the United States at International Bartending events.
USA Flair Bartending Champion (WCC 2022). 2× World Flair Bartending Champion (2018 & 2019). More than 17 years of professional bartending experience. Performed in over 40 countries. Delivered thousands of flair shows, trainings, and masterclasses worldwide. Founder of “Easy to Flair” – an online flair bartending school and global community.
Flair content creator with more than a million followers across all major social media platforms. CEO of Perfect Serve NYC – luxury cocktail catering based in New York.
My mission is to spread flair bartending and make it globally accessible. I create hundreds of educational videos to help bartenders learn flair in a smart, practical way, use it responsibly behind the bar, and grow a united, professional bartending community around the world.
“I’m a Peruvian-Japanese flair bartender with almost 20 years of experience. I started in Peru, inspired by my teacher, the first Peruvian flair bartender, and decided to dedicate my life to perfecting this skill. Over the years, I have traveled the world, competing in multiple renowned national and international competitions and achieving podium finishes along the way. Now living in the U.S., I continue to refine my skills and push the boundaries of flair bartending.
For the past 9 years, I have called Las Vegas home, where I work at one of the city’s best flair bars, Golden Gate Casino. Flair bartending is more than just a job for me it’s my passion, my art, and my way of expressing creativity. I believe I still have more to give, and I will continue dedicating myself to this amazing craft.”
Felipe Castro
@lettherebecheers
Starting a career on the early 2000’s this Chilean born bartender found a home in Park City Utah after traveling the continent from Patagonia to Alaska. Since his time in the US has enjoyed national and internationally success in the classic bartending circuit been a staple of the USBG USA team and winning an IBA PanAmerican title.
Passionate about education and fundamentals in bartending joins the FBA to help wake up the Utah competitive scene locally, nationally and internationally.
Lindsay Palumbo
@lindsay440
Lindsay has been behind the bar for 10 years, flipping the bottles for 8 of those. From competing all over the US and other countries, she now focuses on training others and throwing an annual competition to benefit local nonprofit organizations.
She has been seen on A&E Network training Stone Cold Steve Austin, staring in “Shaken & Stirred,” and various podcasts and magazines. From Cleveland, Ohio now resides in Las Vegas.
Kristof Vandenabeele
@kristofflair
Hello, my name is Kristof, also go by the nickname elbowking or bumpmaster. I’m 33 years old and live in Belgium.
I have competed in over 100 flairbartending competition around the globe, winning 15 of them. I love to come up with original moves, and my high level of difficulty have helped me make a well known name for myself in the industry.
Furthermore I love to travel; especially to Las Vegas, meet new bartenders and explore new cocktailbars all around.
I am proud to live up to my nickname as I have a Guiness world record for the most bumps performed on the elbow with a bottle. (108). I have a beautiful fiancee in Los Angeles and together we travel the world.It has been a little over 15 years now single I first started flairbartending and I don’t plan to quit anyday soon 🙂
Jean Manuel Griman Linares
@jean_manuel_bartender
J. Manuel Griman is a dynamic force in South Florida’s flair bartending scene. Competing since 2017, he’s represented the U.S. nationally and internationally and brings high-level showmanship to both the competition stage and private events as an entertainment bartender. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Jean-Manuel is a dedicated Flair Ambassador, inspiring others with precision, passion, and over seven years of experience at The Wilder.
Originally from Argentina and with more than 20+ years in the bar industry, Naty Peralta is a powerhouse in the world of female flair bartending. Bringing her vibrant personality and lively Latin energy to South Florida, she lights up every stage and bar she steps behind.
Naty’s flair journey has taken her across the globe—from iconic venues like The Roadhouse in London to the competitive flair scene in UK, Europe, Asia, Usa, and many more. Each stop along the way has shaped her style and elevated her skills, making her one of the most successful and exciting talents in the industry.
Mike Hastings
@upandcomingflair
Michael Hastings – Flair Bartender & Mixologist
Michael Hastings is a competitive flair bartender representing the USA in international bartending competitions. With years of experience in both working and exhibition flair, he has trained extensively to refine his craft, combining technical precision with high-energy performance. As the founder of UpandComingFlair, he is dedicated to coaching and mentoring the next generation of competitive flair bartenders. Beyond flair, Michael has a deep passion for craft cocktails and mixology, integrating innovative techniques and ingredients into his performances and training. Whether competing, coaching, or elevating the guest experience behind the bar, he continues to push the boundaries of flair and mixology.
Sam has spent over two decades in the hospitality and bar industry, honing his craft across Canada, Mexico, Singapore, and Japan.
Early in his career, he competed internationally in flair bartending and went on to train hundreds of bartenders in the craft, helping to elevate the art form in multiple markets.
Now based in Southeast Asia, Sam focuses on education, events, and creative collaborations—sharing his passion for cocktails and supporting the growth of the regional bar community.
As an FBA Ambassador, he’s committed to helping reignite the global flair movement and inspire the next generation of bartenders, yet again!
Artem Klymenko
@artklybaracademy_goa
I started my Bartending journey from 2001. 2004 first time won a competition on local level. 2006 first time become champion of Ukraine. Total 5 times Ukraine champion. From 2009 move to UAE, Dubai, work with the Buddha Bar family. 3 times Middle East champion. 2 times World top 20 (Bacardi Pro Flair). From 2013 move to India, and settle down.
Open bar school and train more than 500 Indian bartenders. Unfortunately it was closed during covid. Now working as beverage head in Gypsea Goa. Looking forward to continue developing flair culture in India.
Best regards!
Hector Rangel
@hector.r.marquez
▪︎Héctor Rangel.
▪︎From México.
▪︎I started working behind the bar 17 years ago.
▪︎I am purple level by the WFA.
▪︎I have participated in more than 190 flair, speed and cocktail competitions in countries such as the USA, London, Greece, Portugal, Panama, Peru, Colombia, among others.
▪︎I have represented Mexico on 3 occasions in IBA World Cups (Cuba, Portugal, Rome).
▪︎Currently considered the best flair bartender in Mexico by Shaker Awards (2023-24) and by Ranking Flair México (2024, 2025).
Organizer of the largest flair tournament in Mexico and much of Latin America, the Mexico Open Flair. The 8th edition will be held in 2025.
Hello everyone my name is Gastón Santandreu I am from Uruguay and in Latin America I am known as the Voice of Flair.
I have been involved in the industry for more than 20 years and have actively competed for more than 15 years representing my country in national and international tournaments and events.
Guillermo Andrade
@guille._flair
Chilean Flair Bartender hailing from Valparaiso, Central Chile. Started a bartender career more than a decade ago and shortly after focused on competition and training. Since the early years he joined ACEBACH (Central Bartender Association of Chile) as an active member and competitor representing the country in different international competitions including the latest world cocktail championship competition in Portugal in the flair category.
Independently he is a cofounder of “ShowBar”, a private event business where flair is central piece and more recently “Espacio Bartender”, a bartender academy. Either working behind the bar, training the new generation, or competing internationally his love for flair shines through so he joins the FBA to help spread the good word of flair in South America and especially Chile.
Adriana Laguna
@adrianalagunaflair
A pioneer of female flair in Colombia, representing her country in this beautiful sport. Brand Ambassador for American Beverage Marketers, developing cocktails and programs for chains, restaurants, and hotels throughout Latin America. Developer of bartender platforms, competitions, and community support programs.
Bartender Champion and NSO (New Store Opening) at TGI Fridays. International Flair Bartending Instructor and judge in competitions for Tiki, classic, and flair cocktails. Her studies at the IBA (International Bartender Association) complete the educational pyramid. She holds a marketing degree from the Gran Colombiano Polytechnic. She is considered the Diva of Flairbartending for her elegance and precision. A special guest on Master Chef Celebrity Chile, offering a cocktail and flair bartending experience
Abel Salinas
@abelsalinascaldera
My name is Abel Salinas Caldera , I’m based in New York, and I’ve been fully dedicated to the art of Flair for almost three years now. What started as simple curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion and a personal mission. Flair gave me structure, drive, and purpose—and I’ve committed myself to growing not only as a performer and competitor, but also as someone who builds community and opens doors for others.
In 2024, I had the chance to compete and prove myself on stage—taking 3rd place in the Amateur division at the Cocktail Art Challenge, and then 1st place at the Bartender Shakedown, also in Amateur. These moments were huge personal milestones, but more than anything, they reminded me why I started: to turn movement into meaning.
To me, Flair is more than just throwing bottles. It’s passion, it’s blood, it’s brand. It’s believing in yourself even when no one else does. I truly believe anyone can learn Flair—with the right mindset, support, and consistency. My mission is to create spaces where people can grow, express themselves, and move without fear. That’s what I stand for—and that’s what I bring as a Flair Ambassador.
Top 20 at the WFA Grand Finals 2022 and Top 30 in the WFA Grand Slam Leaderboard 2023. Over a decade of experience across the hospitality industry – from high-end venues to dive bars, and now full-time entrepreneur. Athos has brought his passion for flair and hospitality into the events world, founding multiple businesses and creating standout bartending experiences across the World.
Co-Founder of The Mercenaries Bartenders, a UK based premium staffing agency for caterers looking to hire the best performers and service hustlers.
A dedicated flair mentor and content creator, Athos is on a mission to make flair accessible, fun, and professional. He teaches young bartenders through in-person and online courses, emphasizing fluidity, creativity, and positive energy. With a strong social media presence and passion for community, Athos is helping lead a new generation of bartenders to success – one flip at a time.
Chetan Choramule
@chetanchoramule
I’m Chetan Choramule, a professional flair bartender and World Flair Association Grading Examiner from Pune, India. My bartending journey began during my hotel management internship and soon turned into a passion for flair and performance.
I’ve showcased flair in cities across India including Mumbai, Goa, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kashmir, and Andaman, and trained over 50 WFA grading students both online and offline. I hold Yellow and Orange Grades from the WFA.
I’m a three-time record holder in the India Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, and Bravo International Book of World Records. I’ve also collaborated with top brands and participated in various flair competitions. Currently, I’m the Brand Ambassador for Indian Bartenders Guide, working to promote WFA Grading and help Indian bartenders gain global recognition.
Akim “Akimba” Dagdzhyiev is a top-level flair bartender, international champion, and the founder of the world’s first online flair bartending school. With over 3,000 students trained globally, his innovative approach to teaching has helped shape a new generation of flair bartenders.
Representing Las Vegas, Akimba continues to raise the standard in the industry through his unique style, powerful mentorship, and global impact on the flair community.
Kuldeep Chauhan
@bar_academy_of_dehradun
Kuldeep isn’t just focused on pouring drinks—it’s building careers. He brings real-world experience from high-end establishments and translates it into immersive skill-based training. From cocktail crafting to flair performance, students learn in settings that mimic professional bar environments. His teaching style blends energetic performances with practical mentoring, capturing the artistic and technical aspects of bartending.
With over 15 years of experience as a Flair Bartender. Working as a trainer and instructor in projects related to Flair techniques in various cities in Peru. Collaborating with many national and international brands, leading promotional campaigns and serving as a brand ambassador and consultant.
Thanks to his extensive experience, he is now a spirits educator, owner of Bijou Cocktail Bar in Lima, and founder of the Christmas Flair Competition. His work has taken him abroad, performing in Panama, Mexico, Ecuador, Spain, Italy, and Brazil.
Currently participating in mixology competitions in Peru, earning several distinctions:
•Top 3 – World Class Peru 2023
•Top 3 – Flor de Caña Challenge 2023
•Top 3 – Cointreau Challenge 2025
•Champion – Tiki League 2025
•Nominated as Best Bartender in Peru by Premios Somos from El Comercio.
Jesús Ernesto Aguirre, a towering figure in the world of beverages. Recognized as an internationally acclaimed Mixologist, Flair Bartender, and Sommelier, his career is a testament to passion, excellence, and leadership in the art of bartending.
🌎 Global Trajectory: A Journey of Mastery
Jesús Aguirre has taken his knowledge and craft to some of the world’s most important stages, conducting high-level masterclasses and workshops.
Hen a highly successful competitor but also a key tournament organizer and an international guest speaker at conferences worldwide.
🇵🇦 Leadership in Panama
He currently resides in Panama, where he plays a fundamental role in the professional development of the industry:
Director of the Professional Bartenders Institute.
Founding President of Federacionpbb (Panamanian Federation of Bartenders and Baristas).
Owner and Director of @FlairMixologyPanama.
The FBA Ambassadors job description is to promote flair and the FBA in their area and everywhere they travel. Limited requirements and job responsibilities exist for our ambassadors which range from holding yard days to just posting messages in the FBA Forum. The Ambassador level is a stepping stone or proving ground for those looking to become the FBA National Representative for their area.
BECOME A FBA AMBASSADOR
We are looking for passionate people to help us continue to grow the FBA and raise the bar of bartending worldwide. If you are able to dedicate your time in helping continue to teach, mentor and inspire the next generation of bartenders… Answer these 2 questions after clicking on the link below. 1. What State/Region and Country do you live in and would represent? 2. Why you want to be an FBA Ambassador and how you would grow Flair and better the bartending community in your area?