Popovski Wins CSWC North Macedonia

A few qualifiers into the Cigar Slow Smoking Season, it seems the new competition cigar from Oliva might be evening out the odds a bit. While seasoned three-hour smokers like Rolf Broch and Tormod Skaaraas from Norway “only” reached about two and a half hours of smoking, Nick Shawnley basically repeated his performance in Denmark from last year.

In North Macedonia, the 2023 Balkan champion and 2024 Kosovo champion, Nikola Popovski, even set a new personal best when he claimed the title of champion at 2 hours and 8 minutes.

“With this performance, Nikola firmly establishes himself as one of the most successful and decorated CSWC competitors in the Balkan region,” CSWC founder Marko Bilic says. “He’s standing shoulder to shoulder with Croatia’s Ivan Zizic when it comes to consistency and elite performance.”

Right behind him Marko Manev secured his first place on the podium when he smoked for 2 hours 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Third place went to another podium debutant, Tasko Gudzov. His time was 1 hour 46 minutes and 30 seconds.

Besides the performances of the participants, Bilic highlights the collaboration between the two organizers, Farel Cigars and Hecho A Mano Maceodonia.

“Despite being competition entities in business, these two companies joined forces for the greater good of their national cigar community, delivering a powerful message to the world,” he says. “When the community comes first, egos step aside, and gentleman values rise above all. Their collaboration was a perfect example of how the cigar industry should function, with elegance, mutual respect, and a shared passion for the leaf. This spirit was evident throughout the event and was praised by all attendees.”

1. Nikola Popovski 2:08:00
2. Marko Manev 2:03:30
3. Tasko Gudzov 1:46:30