Fifty bartenders from forty four countries boarded a cruise ship in Nice, France on July 4th for a week's competition culminating in Spaniard, David Rios being crowned, World Class Bartender of the Year 2013 on Tuesday night (July 9).

The cruise competition took in Nice, Monte Carlo, St Tropez, and finally La Monumental bullring in Barcelona where the event was concluded.

Sponsored by Diageo's premium drinks division 'Diageo Reserve' the event has in the past been staged in London, Athens, Delhi and Rio.

By opting to host the event in the Med, the drinks giant has said it is signalling the importance of European cocktail culture and the continuing global demand for European Luxury brands.

As growth in many areas of the BRIC economies slows, Europe remains the world's luxury capital, with recent figures showing that consumer spending on luxury goods in Europe is higher than any other region globally and is growing year on year.

Each bartender was judged by a panel of industry legends but it was Rios who glasses were raised for as he took the title on home soil.

Presented by Adam Justice