A Successful Inaugural CSWC Qualifier Takes Place in Toronto

On August 8th, 2024, the first ever Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC) qualifying event was held in Canada at The Smokin’ Cigar in Toronto, Ontario.

The Canadian CSWC was first conceptualized and then ultimately brought to life largely by the efforts of Ivan Lukaroski, who years ago, took it upon himself to compete in a CSWC event in Macedonia after discovering the concept of slow smoking in an article he read in the Wall Street Journal.

The inaugural Canadian event at The Smokin’ Cigar tested the slow smoking skills of a total of nine Canadian competitors, all of whom had only recently become familiarized with the concept of slow smoking, and were eager to have the opportunity to try their hand at slow smoking the Corona-sized official CSWC cigar made by Rocky Patel Premium Cigars.

Posting a time of 1 hour 5 minutes, competitor Konstantine Saraginov became the first, 1st place qualifier on Canadian soil. Saraginov edged out competitor Jim Simitas who took second place, when his burn line, which had been encroaching on the cigar ring for what seemed like a lifetime, finally came in contact with the ring at precisely the one-hour mark. Both competitors deftly balanced their ash for the duration of the first 40 minutes of competition.

The first 8 of the 9 competitors took home prizes, which included accessory items from Les Fine Lammes, accessories from Rocky Patel Cigars (provided by Canadian distributor Kretek), Marsala Canadian Whisky, Boveda,  and more.

For his big win, Konstantin brandished a big ear-to-ear smile as he received an entrance ticket for the CSWC Championship in Dubrovnik, Croatia (a value of $750 CAD), a Les Fine Lames CSWC Limited Edition Cutter, a Cigar Journal 1-year subscription, a Rocky Patel White Label Ashtray, A Rocky Patel White and Rose 5-Torch Lighter, A Rocky Patel Camel Cigar Holder and a slick, Les Fine Lames cap.

Saraginov says he looks forward to representing Canada in Dubrovnik, and will be setting aside ample time to practice the skill of slow smoking cigars in the meantime.

Photo credit: Giancarlo Pawelec | PAWELECphoto