X-Tremely successful comeback for bar flair comp

Jay Rufino demonstrates the moves that made him an X-Treme Flair winner.

This month was an exciting one for the flair bartending community, with the long-awaited return of Dubai’s X-Treme Flair competition.

The competition — sponsored by SKYY Vodka and fruit purée and syrup producer Monin — saw 30 of the UAE's flair bartenders vying for an AED 10,500 (US $2860) prize at Après in Mall of the Emirates.

Jay Rufino from Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort nightclub Zenith took home first prize, followed by Robbert Heller from Boudoir at Dubai Marine Beach Resort in second place and Niki Illiev — also from Boudoir — in third.

Sheraton’s Rufino, who has been flairing for over six years, said he was “very glad” to have won the competition — “especially considering I did not get the chance to practise a lot and be prepared for routine set”.

Rufino added that he was always trying new challenges for his routine, which he would then try out at his workplace.

“I get to do my share of flair bartending with my co-workers [at Zenith] when there are special occasions, events in the nightclub or upon guest request,” he explained.

“This helps us a lot to demonstrate our skills individually and as a team.”

Rufino said that he felt that the UAE flair scene today was “more exciting and awesome than ever”.

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“We have reached the next level — now other famous flair bartenders from around the world show up to mix and mingle with the best flair bartenders the UAE can offer,” he noted.

“It is also an excellent place to exchange ideas, skills and experience because a large number of ex-pats from all over are living here.”

The last UAE X-Treme Flair event in Dubai took place back in 2006, but the competition was revived this year by former European flair champion and world runner-up Nick Hancock.

Hancock, who joined Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR) as bar development manager last year, said he “could not have asked for it to go any better”.

“Everyone who came to watch was really impressed with the standard,” he said. “Jay did brilliantly — it was a very clean routine, he had the crowd going crazy.

“Lots of people were asking when the next competition would be,” he added.

“X-Treme Flair will take place every year at least, but we’re hoping to do something on an international level this year.