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.
Rob Husted
@theflairambassador
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.
Dean Serneels
@deanserneels
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
@marianogiljr
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.
Ivan Usov
@ivanusov_bartender
Kenjiro Yanagi
@kenjiro.yanagi
“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.
Naty Peralta
@natyflairlife
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 Dalcourt
@samdalcourt
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!
Gaston Santandreu
@the_gasty
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.
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… then click on the link below.