The competition itself pushed boundaries.

Unlike traditional formats, HCCM demanded true teamwork: each pair had to divide their tasks, perform in tandem, and keep both the jury and the audience entertained throughout. Thanks to the spacious setup at SEID, the energy flowed effortlessly: while one team took on Q&A with the jury, the next was already prepping to take the stage. 

In the end, it was Chris Kellett of Guilty Pleasure bar and Chris Polad of Ish-ka bar, both from the Posthallen Drinkhub family, who took the crown. Their performance was electric: confident, humorous, and irresistibly engaging. Their chemistry behind the bar was undeniable, and their cocktail stood out not just for its taste, but for its presentation: served in a homemade vessel crafted from coconut shells, the drink was as Instagrammable as it was delicious.  

A huge shoutout to all the finalist teams, our amazing crowd, and our judges: Alfredo Guerra, local Brand Ambassador Tomas Ricciardi, and former Havana Club Grand Prix winner Max Verrier, for making this event unforgettable. Chris & Chris now head toward the European regional challenges and the global stage. Their journey has only just begun, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll shake up next. 

Cheers to the Cuban spirit, and the magic of bartending done together.