Chris Myers from The Unites States of America was crowned Stella Artois World Draught Master last night at Old Billingsgate Market in London.
Myers, who has worked in Maddisons Downtown Bar in Maddison for four years, beat off competition from 24 other national winners to scoop the coveted title. He will now become a global ambassador for Stella Artois, travelling around 10 different countries extolling the virtues of the perfect pour.
The American impressed judges with his nine-step pour of Stella Artois, flair and pesonality.
"It feels exceptional," said Myers. "I was comfortable with everything along the way but never expected to get this far. Everyone here had the package, the charm, so I think what set me apart was the little flair behind the back with the glass.
"A lot is going to change. It hasn't quite sunk in. It will be an exciting year. I couldn't have possibly dreamed it.
"The funny thing is I am not competitive at all. I would rather hug everyone and be friends but when I won the first competition, it sparked something in me and I thought, now it is on, and I wanted to beat everyone else. I wanted to represent the USA and win."
Global marketing manager for Stella Artois Alexander Lambrecht said: "The World Draught Master competition is integral to our ongoing quest to deliver superior beer experiences the world over, ensuring that Stella Artois is served with the same care, consideration and craftsmanship as has gone into more than 600 years of brewing.
"We are extremely proud that this year again, we were able to welcome finalists from around the world, and no less than 24 countries, to compete in London.
"Moreover, we wanted to create a global conversation with our consumers about the Stella Artois World Draught Master competition by inviting people into the event via live streaming and providing an opportunity for them to decide on what competitor embodied perfection."
Runners up in the competition were Siobhan Kathleen Mullins of Australia
and Keith Cuveele of Belgium.