CSWC: The Results from Albania, Serbia and France

Gjata first Albanian CSWC champion

Marigen Gjata 1:31:00
Andy Shkira 1:30:00
Besim Mulaj 1:26:30

A vibrant program of Latin dancing, DJ music, delicious catering, fine cigars, and Chivas 18 made the first Cigar Smoking World Championship qualifier in Albania an unforgettable experience. More than 40 spectators watched and cheered at this exciting qualifier, as emotions ran high. With just a minute’s margin, newcomer Marigen Gjata became historic as the first Albanian slow smoking champion ever, while last year’s champion of Kosovo, Andy Shkira, was reportedly, both visibly and audibly disappointed with his second place as he came hoping to claim yet another title.

Vojnic wins first Serbian CSWC

Luka Vojnic 1:48:07
Jovan Joksovic 1:42:20
Dejan Tadic 1:33:20

A year later than planned, Serbia made its debut on the CSWC circuit. Organized by Branko Lazarevic at his Pura Vida cigar lounge in Belgrade, Serbia delivered an intense race filled with fierce battles, surprising twists, early leaders dropping out, and quick burners at the start who still managed to keep the fire alive to the end. The fight came down to Luka Vojnic and Jovan Joksovic, with the former taking home the title as Serbia’s first CSWC champion in the end. Incredibly enough, he did it by smoking beneath the ring for six minutes without the fire ever touching it.

Steinhäuser won CSWC France

Oliver Steinhäuser 2:10:05
Mathieu Ginglinger 1:35:48
Gustavo De Hostos 1:32:42

There was never any doubt when the French CSWC qualifier was held at the restaurant Le Temps des Saisons in Oberhausbergen, this year. For the last couple of years, Oliver Steinhäuser, has participated out of competition in France, and beaten everybody. As the perpetual German runner-up behind multiple World Champion Hauke Walter, decided to compete officially instead, so came the first title. Second place went to the 2023 national champion, Mathieu Ginglinger, in a race where amazingly enough all the participants were still in after 30 minutes.