Aakanksha Vashist New Indian CSWC champion

After last year’s 2,000 kilometer trip to Bangalore in the south, the Indian Cigar Smoking World Championship qualifier was back in Delhi in 2024. India Cigar Club resumed its host duties as the country’s third ever qualifier took place at the restaurant Miss Pinto, and just like last year the top three were all new names. And just like last year the winner didn’t just win, she also broke the Indian national record. Unlike last year, though, it wasn’t with a five-minute margin. India’s new national champion, Aakansha Vashist, completely shattered the old record, set by Rohit Panduranga in 2023, by 44 minutes. At 1 hour 59 minutes and 2 seconds she missed that sought-after two-hour limit with a mere 58 seconds, but she’s now the first person from the country who can title herself a serious contender on an international level.

“As women, grace and passion is our core,” the winner says. “Cigar smoking is a very personal journey for me. It is a time of introspection and a joyful experience. CSWC was a game of focus and patience. During those two hours, it was just me and my cigar, embarking on an adventure. All I did was enjoy my cigar, treat it with respect, and wistfully delve into the process. My focus wasn’t on winning; it was on taking up the two-hour journey with what I cherish the most— my cigar.”

In fact, all three in the top three managed to beat the old record, setting a new standard for Indian slow smoking. Sahil came in at 1 hour and 28 minutes flat and Aanchal finished at 1 hour 23 minutes and 30 seconds.
“It added a triumphant chapter to the championship’s history,” the India Cigar Club comments.

1. Aakansha Vashist – 1:59:02
2. Sahil – 1:28:00
3. Aanchal – 1:23:30