Ebers Defends Title at CSWC Spain

The Spanish, probably all but bitter, rivalry between Thorsten Ebers and Zaquiel Mayorga continues. In 2023 the latter won, but only by what is probably the smallest margin in the history of the Cigar Smoking World Championship. He was just two seconds better than Manuel Seco. That year Ebers finished third, two minutes behind.

The year after, the tables had turned. Mayorga had to settle for third place when Ebers outsmoked everyone and finished at 2 hours and 34 minutes, a whole 1 hour and 9 minutes ahead of his rival. This year, the two of them ended up at the top of the podium, and just like 2024, it was a clear winner.

The event was held at the Barcelona Pipa Club, and it featured competitors from across Spain and beyond, including Oto Elias, who traveled from London, and Yu Wang representing China.

As the evening unfolded, so did the drama. Ezechiel Symenouh stunned the crowd by smoking through the cigar band with incredible tunnel technique, only to be disqualified for burning the band. In the end, Mayorga, Ebers and Eduardo Navarro Basabe pushed the competition to its limits. In a nail-biting finish, Zaquiel secured second place over Navarro Basabe, again by a very small margin, just 21 seconds. The one to handle the new Oliva competition cigar the best was Ebers, though, thereby defending his title.

“With calm precision, he stopped the clock at 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 25 seconds, just shy of his personal best, but more than enough to seal his second straight Spanish title,” CSWC founder Marko Bilic says.

And the champion was more than happy with his own performance. “Spain has so many amazing cigar lovers and communities,” he says. “It was essential not to lose this stage. CSWC is about more than cigars. It connects people, builds friendships, and brings unforgettable experiences.”

As a solid two-hour smoker, he might even be a contender for the title of world champion. It remains to be seen what happens in Split later this month.

1. Thorsten Ebers 2:20:25
2. Zaquiel Mayorga 1:50:20
3. Eduardo Navarro Basabe 1:49:59