For the first time ever the Cigar Smoking World Championship came to Georgia. At Davidoff of Geneva Cigar Lounge in Tbilisi the participants were treated to brandy from the oldest brandy factory in the country Sarajishhvili, dating back to 1887, as they prepared for the competition. In the end first time competitor Irina Rasputina triumphed when she held on for 1 hour 26 minutes and 57 seconds, a performance which could have been even better.
“She could have continued for at least another 25-30 minutes, but the lack of experience affected her, and she went out with another three centimeters left of the cigar,” judge Yevgeniy Zhidkov says.
This is the third competition he’s judged this season and he was not the only one impressed by the passion of the Georgian smokers.
“I saw the deep understanding of cigars in many people, and this made me happy. It also captivated my wife, and for the first time she asked to take part. Not really expecting much since it was the first cigar of her life, I was surprised when she smoked for more than one hour.”
Second place went to Segi Kodjaga at 1 hour 19 minutes and 45 seconds and Sergo Grigoryan came in third at 1 hour 11 minutes and 7 seconds. Don’t be surprised if both of them are back for revenge next year.
“This was a great start and the participants didn’t just ask about the next championship, but also about holding training sessions and mini-tournaments throughout the year.”
1. Irina Rasputina 1:26:57
2. Segi Kodjaga 1:19:45
3. Sergo Grigoryan 1:11:07
