​The 2026 season has produced intriguing results that raise significant questions, particularly regarding some of the biggest names in the sport's history. Shagai and Hauke during last moments of Grand Final 2018 Although these established competitors topped their respective national qualifiers, their winning times were significantly lower than usual. This performance dip has sparked widespread speculation. For instance, Hauke Walter, a three-time world champion from Germany

Anastasia Arsenova took the title this year at the Open Championship of Latvia Anastasia Arsenova, the women's world champion in 2025, chose the Latvian qualifier as the location for her slow smoking race. This was possible because the Latvian organizers opted to have an open CSWC qualifier. Even though Latvia has some good slow smokers, Anastasia is always a big challenger as one of the best competitors in the world. But before the competition, the Riga Cigar Club made sure

TOP 3 BEST TIMES CSWC OLIVA LATVIA 2026

The CSWC Baltic gathered the best smokers from across the Baltic region for the second edition of the regional competition. It’s true—he’s back. Indeed, he is. Although his time wasn't among his best, he secured the title against some of the region's top smokers, who are also among the best worldwide. His name is legendary—Alexander Shagai. Twice a world champion and an impressive competitor with remarkable records, he has returned, no doubt about it. Here is the report from

TOP 3 BEST TIMES CSWC OLIVA BALTIC 2026

TOP 3 BEST TIMES CSWC OLIVA SWITZERLAND 2026

The exclusive private cigar and business club Time Out in Zurich hosted the national CSWC by Oliva Switzerland for the first time, featuring a full-day program. The exclusive private cigar and business club Time Out in Zurich hosted the national CSWC by Oliva Switzerland for the first time, offering a full-day program. The Swiss CSWC organization team, led by Gian Carlo with judges Joe Kunch and Stefano Nett, partnered with Joca Jovanovic, co-owner of Time Out and a longtime

After five years of CSWC tradition in Slovakia, Roberto Resmer, the CSWC director for Slovakia, decided to enhance the CSWC experience for all participants. A beautiful castle in the forest, luxury cars, and prestigious Cuervo y Sobrinos watches, paired with black tie and gala dresses, champagne, and cocktails – need anything more be said? That was the atmosphere of this year’s Slovakian CSWC. Roberto Resmer and his team elevated CSWC Slovakia to a new level, blending lifesty

TOP 3 BEST TIMES CSWC OLIVA SLOVAKIA 2026

Belgium is making strides in CSWC activities and its community, bringing in fresh names and exciting new milestones. Dinny Vanndame organized the Time Chase CSWC by Oliva event in the northern part of Belgium. It was interesting to see that most of the competitors were new faces, alongside some experienced ones, showing how CSWC is spreading and growing in Belgium. The times were impressively high, and this Time Chase proved that the Belgian nationals will be very exciting.

The CSWC took place in Germany, and after more than 10 years, it came for the first time to the Oliva Lounge Whisky and Cigar Salon in Gronau. It was one of the most anticipated competitions of the year because one of the best smokers of all time, three-time world champion Hauke Walter, was competing again for the title of German champion. Of course, as everybody expected, he performed at the top level and took another title, which will probably be his sixth title as the Germ