Zander Swedish CSWC Champion Again

Sweden has been in the forefront of slow smoking for many years now. In 2021 Henrik Kristensson won the Cigar Smoking World Championship grand final and in 2019 the first Swedish Champion Igor “The Swedish Tiger” Kovacic set a world record of 3 hours 52 minutes and 55 seconds, a record that would hold stand for four years until Klaudia Ide beat it by 14 seconds.

Last year Kovacic made a spectacular return after many years of silence, claiming the victory by a stellar 3 hour and 21 minutes performance ahead of aforementioned Kristensson. But, he disappeared as quickly as he appeared. At this year’s Swedish CSWC qualifier in Helsingborg, he was again nowhere to be found. For how many years, no-one knows.

Another one who disappeared quickly was last year’s breakout star and second runner-up, Peter Gustavsson.

“He was the first one out,” organizer and CSWC judge, Pierre Gustavsson says. “After just three and a half minutes he was forced to extinguish his cigar, likely due to an overly aggressive start and his early exit was a stark reminder of how unforgiving this competition can be.”

In the absence of tigers, Mikael “Zeke” Zander took personal revenge on last year’s miscalculated exit after a mere half hour. Although for a long time, it didn’t look like the three-time champion would win it this year.

“Four participants emerged as early leaders, with Alexander Broman standing out for his steady pace and composure,” Gustavsson says. “He appeared to be in full control of the match, but in a surprising twist, his cigar went out prematurely, cutting short what many thought could be a winning performance.”

Instead Zander took the lead.

“Holding a psychological edge over the former world champion Kristensson and the seasoned Mikael Grosgut, Zeke remained calm and calculated throughout the match. Shortly before the two-hour mark, Kristensson was forced to set down his cigar, ending his run for the title.”

Probably high on adrenalin from his long awaited revenge, Zander decided it wasn’t just enough to win it. He wanted to show everybody what he could do.

“What followed was a high-stakes showdown between Zeke and the clock. Known for his nerve under pressure, Zeke entered an extended tunneling phase—keeping the cigar burning internally without disturbing the ash—for nearly 40 minutes. It was a daring move that paid off. All in all, it was a night filled with drama, surprises, and strategic brilliance,” Gustavsson concludes.

After 2 hours 38 minutes and 4 seconds Zander was back on the throne, for the fourth time. The question is what he can do in Split. Will this be the first time he makes it to the top , internationally as well?

1. Mikael “Zeke” Zander 2:38:04
2. Henrik Kristensson 1:41:32
3. Mikael Grosgut 1:39:19