The CSWC Grand Finale Moves Back to Dubrovnik

In 2024 Walter Hauke made history twice when he won the 15^th Cigar Smoking World Championship grand finale. Not only was he the first one to win the trophy three times, he was also the first one to be crowned world champion outside of CSWC founder Marko Bilic’s hometown of Split. Many were probably shocked when Bilic announced that the 2024 grand final was being held at the five-star Rixos Hotel in Dubrovnik, and the streak didn’t last long. The year after, the finals were back in Split, only to return to Dubrovnik again this year.

“The host hotel will once more be the magnificent Rixos, one of the most well-known hotels in Croatia and beyond,” Bilic says. “Rixos is the ideal location for the CSWC Grand Finale experience, because of its amazing location, architecture, and most importantly, the level of service and hospitality that offers Mediterranean spirit packaged in its entirety and purity, all wrapped in a James Bond level of exclusivity.”

A big reason for the return to Rixos, according to Bilic, is the team at the hotel, under the leadership of general manager, Ayhan Basci.

“It is difficult to put into words,” Bilic says. “You need to experience Rixos and that special something that this hotel has. We are confident that cigar passionados from all over the world will be welcomed with open arms, for another year of unforgettable moments and memories created through the power of Rixos’ hospitality. Personally, I’m looking forward to all future projects Mr. Bacsi, Rixos hotel and Club Mareva will surprise the cigar world with, for years to come.”

The CSWC grand finale 2026 will take place on August 28 and 30, 2026.