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CSWC BY OLIVA - MACEDONIA 2025 QUALIFIER: A MASTERCLASS IN UNITY AND GENTLEMANHOOD

The CSWC BY OLIVA continued its 2025 season with a truly inspiring event in North Macedonia — an event that wasn’t just about slow smoking, but about something far deeper: the power of unity


N. Macedonian Champion 2025 Nikola Popovski (Right) in a close battle with Marko Manev – in the end, less than five minutes separated them.
N. Macedonian Champion 2025 Nikola Popovski (Right) in a close battle with Marko Manev – in the end, less than five minutes separated them.

The CSWC Macedonian Qualifier was organized through the exceptional cooperation between Farel Cigars, the official Oliva importer, and Heco a Mano Macedonia also cigar importer, but who provides CSWC Judges. These two companies, despite being competition entities in business, joined forces for the greater good of their national cigar community — delivering a powerful message to the world: when the community comes first, egos step aside, and gentleman values rise above all.


CSWC Judge Gabriel Stibel with competitors in the beautiful arena of the slow smoking race N. Macedonia 2025
CSWC Judge Gabriel Stibel with competitors in the beautiful arena of the slow smoking race N. Macedonia 2025

Their collaboration was a perfect example of how the cigar industry should function — with elegance, mutual respect, and a shared passion for the leaf. This spirit was evident throughout the event and was praised by all attendees.


CSWC connects friends through the fun and excitement of the challenge – a perfect match for unforgettable experiences.
CSWC connects friends through the fun and excitement of the challenge – a perfect match for unforgettable experiences.

Nikola Popovski Returns as a Champion

The star of the evening was Nikola Popovski, a name already well known in the Balkan CSWC circuit. The two-time qualifier champion (Balkan 2023, Kosovo 2024) made a grand return — not only taking the victory but breaking his personal record with an impressive smoking time of 2 hours and 8 minutes.


CSWC is a race against time – where skill is the engine, and focus is the fuel that maintains the speed of fire.
CSWC is a race against time – where skill is the engine, and focus is the fuel that maintains the speed of fire.

With this performance, Nikola firmly established himself as one of the most successful and decorated CSWC competitors in the Balkan region, standing shoulder to shoulder with Croatia’s own Ivan Zizic when it comes to consistency and elite performance.


Sašo Dukovski (third from left) is back in the game – returning to the slow smoking stage with determination, surrounded by fellow competitors.
Sašo Dukovski (third from left) is back in the game – returning to the slow smoking stage with determination, surrounded by fellow competitors.

His result also further confirms that the new CSWC Oliva cigar is his perfect racing partner — a blend that has brought out the best in his already sharp technique.

Marko Manev, N. Macedonian Vice Champion 2025
Marko Manev, N. Macedonian Vice Champion 2025

A Rising Star & A Podium of New Faces

Right behind him, Marko Manev delivered a strong performance and secured second place — his first ever podium finish, and surely not the last.




The third place went to Tasko Gudzov, who also showed great form with the new CSWC Oliva cigar. This was his first time among the top three, and his performance was a testament to dedication and growth.

Tasko Gudzov,3rd place on N. Macedonian National qualifier 2025
Tasko Gudzov,3rd place on N. Macedonian National qualifier 2025

Former Macedonian champion Saso Dukovski also returned to competition after a long break. Though not on the podium this time, his calm and composed smoking style shows promise — and with time, he is expected to be back among the top contenders.


CSWC Global Partners prizes for the best ones of CSWC by Oliva N. Macedonia 2025 - BOVEDA - official humidification system, HULECOS - official humidity controller, INTERTABAC - official cigar fair, CIGAR jOURNAL - official global media partner, LES FINES LAMES - official cutter, ST DUPONT  -  official lighter, DAMAT TWEEN - official fashion partner, CUERVO Y SOBRINOS - official timekeeper, DeART - official humidors, BOSQUET PARIS - official cigar etui,
CSWC Global Partners prizes for the best ones of CSWC by Oliva N. Macedonia 2025 - BOVEDA - official humidification system, HULECOS - official humidity controller, INTERTABAC - official cigar fair, CIGAR jOURNAL - official global media partner, LES FINES LAMES - official cutter, ST DUPONT - official lighter, DAMAT TWEEN - official fashion partner, CUERVO Y SOBRINOS - official timekeeper, DeART - official humidors, BOSQUET PARIS - official cigar etui,

A Toast to the Organizers

This extraordinary event would not have been possible without the exceptional work of both organizing teams:


From Farel Macedonia: Filip, David, and the ever-charismatic Vasko Atanasov


From the CSWC Judging Team: Marko Trenfadilov and Gabriel Stibel


Together, they delivered an event that didn’t just meet expectations — it set a standard.






 
 

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