COUNTRY STANDINGS SHAKE UP THE GRAND FINAL — POLAND DOMINATES, BUT SURPRISES SHINE

Every Cigar Smoking World Championship powered by Oliva cigars - season tells two stories: the battle of individuals and the battle of nations. When the smoke cleared after the 2025 Grand Final in Split, it was clear that the season’s country standings had set the stage — but the Grand Final rewrote the script.

The moment when Tomasz, after years of waiting, finally raised his hand as a symbol of world triumph.

All year long, Poland towered above the rest. With six positions in the season’s Top 20 times, no one questioned their role as the CSWC superpower. The Baltic region also held its ground with three strong entries, while Germany, the United Kingdom, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and several others secured their flags on the leaderboard. The message was clear: season-long endurance builds national prestige.

But then came Split — the one arena where nothing is guaranteed. The Grand Final, as always, proved it’s a different game entirely. Suddenly, the balance shifted.

Paresh Patel from the UK was definitely the biggest surprise of the grand final, securing an impressive 4th place. Alongside Amin, his compatriot who finished in the top 20, they proudly placed two UK flags among the elite group of competitors.

Poland still stood tall, taking four places in the Grand Final Top 20, confirming their powerhouse status. Yet, it was Italy that shocked the world. Entering Split with modest expectations, the Italians delivered two top-20 finishes — a breakthrough that electrified their national cigar community. The United Kingdom also stunned, doubling their seasonal record and earning two seats among the world’s best.

Oliver from Germany emerged as the national candidate for elite competitors. Teaming up with the legendary Hauke, they earned two spots among the top 20 best world smokers representing Germany.

Germany quietly improved as well, moving from one seasonal position into two at the Grand Final. Norway, the United States, Cyprus, and Croatia each defended their honor with one strong position, while Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed their emerging status with a place in the elite.

Two Ivans, Zizic and Kristo, proudly represent the Croatian and Bosnian flags among the elite, with a special note that Kristo made his debut for Bosnia, marking the first time Bosnia has entered the top 20.

And then came the real wild cards. Montenegro and Ireland — nations many did not expect to see among the Top 20 — claimed their spot in history. For Ireland, in their first CSWC by Oliva cigars season, it was nothing short of extraordinary. For Montenegro, a nation still writing its slow smoking legacy, it was a moment of pride and proof of potential.

What an incredible moment! The Irish champion achieved a miracle—competing for the first time just a month ago in the inaugural Irish CSWC. On his Grand Final debut, he proudly placed the Irish flag among the top 20.

What this season taught us is simple: seasonal times may hint at strength, but the Grand Final is pure unpredictability. The Oliva CSWC cigar, the pressure of the stage, the energy of Split — all combine to crown not just champions, but nations who rise when it matters most.

As the dust settles, one truth remains: Poland is still the giant of the CSWC world. But the map of slow smoking is changing, and new countries are proving that on the biggest stage of them all, anything can happen.