Praphakorn Konglee makes history as Thailand becomes first nation to take home the crown for a second consecutive year

Last month, Praphakorn Konglee certainly impressed a prestigious team of judges with his creativity, bringing the Bacardi Legacy crown back to Thailand with his Out of Sight cocktail recipe. Competing virtually with 39 other hopefuls from around the world, Praphakorn’s winning presentation to the judges spoke of his development as a bartender, striving for excellence, whilst connecting the ingredients of his drink to his personal journey.

If you used to visit the Thonglor bar Find The Locker Room—before Bangkok’s current alcohol ban, that is—you may remember Praphakorn from behind the counter, but here are five other things to know about this year’s Bacardi Legacy winner.

1/5 From Zero Bartending Knowledge To A Worldwide Champ

Praphakorn was 23 years old when he landed his first job at a small resort in his hometown, Koh Samui. “I was literally working and surviving day to day,” the bartender admitted, “on top of that, I had zero knowledge, let alone any experience, going into the job until one day I met a senior who was an expert at bartending and all of a sudden, seeing him with such skill somehow fired up inspiration in me.”

2/5 His First Time Ever Travelling Overseas

“The way Bacardi Legacy competitors present their stories linked to their legacy cocktails inspired me to join the competition”, said Praphakorn. Thai bartender Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn’s win last year also added extra motivation for Praphakorn to continue the Legacy for Thailand. Performing well in the competition this year, when Praphakorn made it to the Philippines for the Southeast Asia Grand Final, it was his first time abroad from Thailand. “I had the best time of my life as we got to share experiences and meet people who had the same passion as me. It was truly inspiring and meaningful.”

3/5 From A Football Player To A Bartender

Praphakorn’s childhood dream was actually to be a pro footballer. “I enjoyed playing football and I knew that football players could earn a lot of money, especially if they’re playing internationally. Sadly, he couldn’t go further in the sport due to a knee injury. 

4/5 ‘Out of Sight’ Is Inspired By His Journey Towards Fatherhood

“When I found out that my wife was pregnant, I felt the need to be a role model for my daughter,” shared the champion. He added, “I wanted to set an example to show her that it’s important to fight for what you believe in, no matter how many obstacles are in the way, and to keep fighting because in the end, it’s worth it.” Containing fresh pineapple, basil, yoghurt, lemon and agave, the ingredients for Out of Sight are a combo of his wife’s favorite ingredients and Bacardi’s Carta Blanca rum.

5/5 Happiness Is The Key To Success

Praphakorn strongly believes that the most important thing in life is to be happy with what you’re doing. “I truly enjoy bartending and while preparing for the competition, I thought about that all of the time,” he shared. Praphakorn reckons many people who take jobs that don’t make them happy won’t last long in those careers. “If you want to be successful, the first thing you need to do is ask yourself if you’re happy.”