Damien Meullemiestre First CSWC Champion in La Réunion

800 kilometers (almost 50 miles) east of Madagascar, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the most remote qualifier on the Cigar Smoking World Championship circuit took place this year. With a population of just about 900,000, the French island of La Réunion, was also one of the smallest places for the competition to be held.

The people responsible for bringing slow smoking to this picturesque place was Sabrina and Jerome Monetti from Corita Cigars, and the participants were excited.

“They arrived excited and ready to compete,” CSWC founder Marko Bilic says. “Despite it being their first time, they embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.”

In the end, Damien Meullemiestre emerged victorious, checking in at 1 hour 24 minutes and 30 seconds. Cyrille Sogue followed came in second at 1 hour 9 minutes and 52 seconds while Philippe Vallee claimed third place at 1 hour 2 minutes and 45 seconds. And the competition has sparked a desire to expand.

“With the enthusiasm and passion shown by both competitors and organizers, many more events are sure to follow,” Bilic says “The organizers are now keen to take the presence of La Réunion to the next level, by representing the island at the CSWC grand final for the first time.”

Neither of the top three is likely to be battling for the top spot in Dubrovnik, but their performances definitely bear no shame, considering it was their first time.

1. Damien Meullemiestre 1:24:30
2. Cyrille Sogue 1:09:52
3. Philippe Vallee 1:02.45