Samkelo Gumbi Wins Stella Artois Perfect Serve Title and London Trip

KwaZulu-Natal bartender Samkelo Gumbi has won South Africa’s 2026 Stella Artois Perfect Serve National Championship, earning an all-expenses-paid trip to represent the country at the global finals in London.

Gumbi, who works at Waxy O’Connors Sunningdale, secured the title at Sass The Venue in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, on 14 October. The global finals will take place during the 2027 Wimbledon Championships.

Perfect Serve Competition Tests Five-Step Ritual

The competition challenges bartenders to master Stella Artois’ five-step serving ritual, covering preparation of the signature chalice, pouring, skimming the foam and presenting the finished beer.

As an official beer partner of The Championships, Wimbledon, Stella Artois links the competition to its focus on precision and service.

Gumbi’s national victory gives him the opportunity to demonstrate those skills against international competitors in London.

Gumbi Credits Support From His Family and Team

Gumbi has worked at Waxy O’Connors for a year and eight months. He credits the outlet’s supportive environment with helping him pursue the title.

“I am grateful to Stella Artois for this opportunity. Representing KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa in London means so much. Waxy O’Connors is like family, and I want to make everyone proud, especially my mom, whose support has encouraged me to compete with passion.”

The family-run Irish pub group was founded in Westville in 2001 and operates six outlets across KwaZulu-Natal.

Co-owners Christo Patinios and Felix Schmitz emphasise hands-on management, attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere.

“We are incredibly proud of Samkelo and the entire team. Our people are at the heart of this business, and every detail of service matters. This win belongs to our staff and guests,” says Patinios.

Training Programme Reaches More Than 3 000 Bartenders

The Perfect Serve competition forms part of Stella Artois’ wider investment in South African hospitality.

According to the brand, its nationwide upskilling initiative has trained more than 3 000 bartenders, supporting service standards and opportunities for local talent.

Vaughan Croeser, VP of Marketing at South African Breweries, says: “The Perfect Serve represents our commitment to quality and every guest’s experience. As South Africa’s number one premium draught beer, we are investing in the people who bring that quality to life. A South African champion heading to London shows that world-class excellence can begin behind any bar.”

For Gumbi, preparation now turns to the global finals, where he will represent South Africa after a national win shared with his colleagues and family.

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