Las Vegas Weekly

November 11, 2009 · 11:24 AM

Photo Gallery: Bartenders compete in 2009 U.S. Flair Open at Harrah’s

By Robin Leach

Christian Orsorio of Mexico competes at The 2009 U.S. Flair Open at Harrah's Carnival Court on Nov. 10, 2009.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Bartenders from Las Vegas and around the world are in competition at the 2009 U.S. Flair Open, which began yesterday with qualifying rounds at Harrah’s Carnival Court on the Strip. There’s $30,000 at stake, with $10,000 of the prize money going to the winning bartender.

A panel of five judges scores the contestants as they flip, spin, throw and catch not only bottles but also the drinks themselves. They are judged on degree of difficulty, smoothness, variety, originality, showmanship and overall entertainment.

A team of Rums of Puerto Rico ambassadors and mixologists also are serving libations to fans here to root for their favorites. In seminars, they also teach the competing bartenders to add cocktails to their menu.

The excitement and competition continues through tomorrow, with the finals starting at 7 p.m. at Harrah’s. You can go see more qualifying events today at Carnival Court from noon onward. The events are free and open to the public.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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