CSWC GEORGIA – A TOURNAMENT IN THE SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP, FLAVOR AND FIRE

Tbilisi once again proved itself to be more than just the capital of Georgia — it became the epicenter of international cigar camaraderie as it hosted its third edition of the Cigar Smoking World Championship national qualifier, now proudly part of the global CSWC by Oliva Cigars circuit.

Held in the brand-new location of Havana Club’s third cigar lounge, this year’s CSWC Georgia brought an elevated sense of prestige, diversity, and heart. Guests from Azerbaijan, Poland, Germany, and Spain joined Georgian competitors, turning the event into a celebration not only of slow smoking but of international brotherhood through cigars.

FROM FESTIVE TO FOCUSED

The day began in high spirits — guests sipping Cohiba Atmosphere Reserva wine, sampling Edmundo Dantes 15 Añejo Cuban rum, posing for photos, and discussing strategies over the official Oliva competition cigar. But as the clock started ticking, the mood shifted. Precision replaced celebration. Joy turned into fierce concentration.

"The beginning of the tournament and clarifying questions to the judge Yevgeniy Zhidkov calmed down a bit the ‘heated’ cigar athletes," the organizers shared, "but started new emotions."

Whispers filled the room as competitors debated the nuances of the new Oliva cigar — its burn, its rhythm, its temperament.

By the first hour, 10 participants remained. By the second, the podium was in sight.

ARSENOVA DOES IT AGAIN

It was a tight battle for silver and bronze.Daiusz Jacek secured third place with 02:02:13, and Elena Tronina held on for second with 02:07:43.

But then came the storm of silence — a duel between a woman and her cigar, lasting over an hour more.Anastasia Arsenova, already making headlines across the CSWC world, delivered once again with a staggering 03:21:29 — setting a new Georgian national record and claiming the title of 2025 CSWC Georgia Champion.

GIFTS, TRADITIONS & CELEBRATION

After the final ash dropped, the celebrations reignited.Elena Tronina gifted exquisite Pasha shawls, custom-made for the occasion, one of which now proudly hangs framed in the Havana Club main lounge.

The Champion’s reward? A Les Fines Lames bracelet, co-created with Oliva, presented by Havana Club manager Ilia Zhgenti. And then — a showstopping cake from the organizers, celebratory photos, and even signed wall inscriptions in the lounges from international guests.

A JOURNEY BEYOND THE TOURNAMENT

What followed was no less spectacular — a curated journey through Georgian culture and heritage.Guests visited Zhinvali Lake, ancient temples, and the breathtaking wine lands of Kakheti, all while savoring Khinkali, Khachapuri, and even chacha infused with truffles courtesy of the unforgettable host Batono Giu Piradashvili, owner of Shato Mere castle hotel.

“Wine from his own winery and chacha infused with truffles were as wonderful as khinkali, khachapuri and kebabs from his kitchen. The ‘cherry on the cake’ was the delicious ice cream that the marvelous host presented to each guest,” the organizers recall.

WORDS FROM THE GUESTS

Osvaldo Diaz, participant from Spain:“I was amazed by the excellent organization of the event. The fight at the tournament and the wonderful gifts, the variety of nature, wines and cuisine of Georgia will remain in my memory for a long time. I did not want to leave and even wanted to go to the next tournament in Azerbaijan. And after receiving photos from my new friends who I found in Georgia, I realized that I was wrong not to give in to the impulse and did not join them. Next year I think it will be necessary to expand the geography of traveling to CSWC tournaments!”

Georgia once again delivered — not just a competition, but a complete CSWC experience:One of heart, heritage, and hospitality.And in that spirit, it’s not just Georgia that won — everyone who attended did.

CHECK RESULTS