CSWC BY OLIVA CIGARS IGNITES THE FLAME TOWERS – AZERBAIJAN CROWNS A CHAMPION

Azerbaijan once again proved its fiery passion for the world of slow smoking as the sixth CSWC by Oliva Cigars national qualifier took place in the breathtaking Flame Towers of Baku

Hosted inside a stunning cigar lounge at the Flame Towers of Baku—one of the most iconic and modern landmarks in the country, the event was orchestrated by Sterling Cigar Co., the official distributor of Oliva Cigars in Azerbaijan, and gathered elite cigar lovers from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Poland, alongside the strongest competitors from across the country.

“We decided to start the event with dinner, so that the participants gathered after the working day did not think about food, only about the victory,” said the organizer and CSWC Global Ambassador Yevgeniy Zhidkov

Premium whiskeys and rums provided by AZGRANATA flowed freely, setting the tone for an elegant evening of slow-burning tension.

SURPRISES, PENALTIES, AND A QUEEN’S RETURN

The race began with excitement and unpredictability. Twelve smokers remained after the first hour, but the shocks came quickly:

Two-time champion Elnur Adilov was unexpectedly out by minute 57.

Elvin Amirov incurred a 10-minute penalty just after an hour for a bow color change.

Alexey Kurpas, Chairman of Minsk Cigar Club, miscalculated his ash penalty and landed just outside the top ten.

Last year’s winner Samir Rzayev looked strong but was extinguished at 1:27:10—with over a third of his cigar left—leaving room for the rise of Dariusz Jacek, who secured third place with 1:33:00, replicating his podium finish in Georgia.

THE TRIUMPH OF A CHAMPION RETURNS

Taking second place was Elgun Rzayev with a strong 1:52:04, but it was Elena Tronina, former Women’s World Champion and one of the most technically skilled competitors in CSWC history, who stole the show.

With calm precision, Elena smoked her way to victory with 1:56:26, claiming the CSWC Azerbaijan 2025 Champion title and confirming her return to world-class form.

“I am glad that we managed to come to two beautiful countries—Azerbaijan and Georgia. In Georgia I became the second, and in Azerbaijan I won the Champion title,” said Elena Tronina.

“But I am grateful to CSWC first of all for the people. People we get to know in Split, and then we can visit them, communicate, share our joy and learn about the world.”

GIFTS, LEGACY & SLOW BURNING FRIENDSHIP

No one left empty-handed. International guests were honored with Azgranata brandy in collector’s packaging. Elena herself brought custom CSWC 2025 Azerbaijan handkerchiefs, gifting them to participants and presenting a framed version to Kamal Karimov, now proudly displayed at Sterling Cigar Co. lounge.

Top three winners received luxurious prizes:

Oliva Serie V Double Toro cigars for third and second places

A full box of Oliva Serie V 135th Anniversary Edición Limitada for the champion.

Official global partners showered the event with elegance and prestige:

Les Fines Lames, Cuervo y Sobrinos, S.T. Dupont, DeART Humidors, Damat Tween, Cigar Journal, Boveda, InterTabac, and Bosquet Paris.

AND THEN… AZERBAIJAN REVEALED ITS SOUL

As tradition now dictates, the following day, international guests experienced the natural and cultural wonders of Azerbaijan: the Agate Mountains, Altyagaj Reserve, the Savalan and Chabiant wineries, and the majestic Tufandag mountain range—an unforgettable finish to an unforgettable championship.

This year’s CSWC Azerbaijan proved once again why it’s one of the most beloved stops on the global CSWC tour. With Elena Tronina back in the winner’s circle, the stage is now set for an electric showdown in Split at the Grand Final. Will she reclaim the ultimate crown?

CHECK RESULTS