Following Kenya’s landmark victory in 2025, Hennessy has announced the return of the Hennessy MyWay 2026 challenge, renewing the spotlight on the country’s fast-rising mixology scene.
The global competition, which blends creativity, craftsmanship and sustainable luxury, is inviting Kenyan bartenders to once again compete for a place on the international stage. More than a cocktail contest, Hennessy MyWay positions itself as a storytelling platform, challenging mixologists to create drinks that reflect their personal identity and cultural heritage while embracing environmentally conscious practices.
Kenya enters the 2026 edition with heightened expectations after Billy Kigocha was crowned the 2025 Global Winner — a victory that elevated Nairobi’s bar scene onto the world map.
This year, 25 Kenyan bartenders will have the opportunity to compete, with Kigocha stepping into a mentorship role to guide participants through the demanding process.
“Kenya’s vibrant mixology scene is no longer a hidden gem; we are the benchmark,” the Hennessy team said in a statement, adding that the competition provides a direct pathway from Nairobi’s bars to the global finals in France.
The 2026 challenge will unfold in three stages. Bartenders must first submit a video entry via HennessyMyWay.com showcasing their signature cocktail, including the inspiration behind it and the sustainability approach applied. The submission deadline for Kenyan entrants is February 26.
From the digital round, three finalists will advance to the National Finals, where they will develop a more complex second cocktail concept. One winner will be crowned Kenya’s Champion and secure a coveted place in the Global Top 25.
The national winner will then travel to France — the home of Hennessy — to compete against leading mixologists from around the world. To claim the global title, finalists must present a third and final cocktail creation before an international panel of judges.
Kigocha said Kenya now carries both opportunity and pressure heading into the new season. “The world is watching Kenya now. As last year’s global winner, my goal isn’t just to see someone win; it’s to see our local talent push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable mixology. I’m ready to share everything I learned in France to ensure the title stays right here in Kenya.”
With the rallying call “Never Stop. Never Settle.” Hennessy is positioning MyWay 2026 as both a competition and a movement — one that could further cement Kenya’s place as a continental leader in modern, sustainability-driven mixology.
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