Randalu Wins CSWC Estonia

The Estonian Cigar Smoking World Championship qualifier is usually one of the bigger ones on the circuit. Last year, for instance, it was the second biggest one with 47 participants, and it’s most probably because it takes place during one of the most prestigious cigar gatherings in Europe, Tallinn Cigar Weekend. This year was the 13^th edition of the festival and the slow smoking contest held at the renowned restaurant Scheeli attracted no less than 40 participants, all eager to reach that spot in the grand final in Split.

“The slow smoking competition is always the heart of our weekend, and this year’s debut of the new Oliva competition cigar made it especially exciting,” said Lasse Öhman, vice president of Tallinn Cigar Club. “It was a true test of endurance and technique, and the atmosphere was unforgettable.”

It’s also one of the most international qualifiers. This time competitors from seven different countries showed up, but despite this, the top three were all Estonians for the first time after the pandemic. Most notably was the absence of the winner from the last three years, Dimitrijs Smirnovs from Riga Cigar Club in Latvia, in the top three. Smirnovs, who had won pretty comfortably each time he participated and even reached a third place at the grand final in 2022, when he smoked for a whopping 2 hours 52 minutes and 52 seconds, was actually present, but as a three-time champion he participated out of contest this time.

Instead last year’s second runner-up, Kaido Randalu, took home the title of national slow smoking champion when he managed to keep his cigar alive for 1 hour 17 minutes and 10 seconds. About two minutes behind him, Peep Ain Saar secured second place, and an additional minute behind him, Kirill Linnik came in third with 1 hour 14 minutes and 10 seconds. Neither one was able to perform at Smirnovs’ level, but who knows what can happen when nerves set in during the grand final?

1. Kaido Randalu 1:17:10
2. Peep Ain Saar 1:15:05
3. Kirill Linnik 1:14:10