CSWC UK NATIONAL FINAL AND BRITISH OPEN 2025 – A SMOKING HOT DOUBLE HEADER IN LONDON

It was hotter than Managua at the “Scottish Embassy” – as Scott Vines (MD of Tor Imports) fondly calls Boisdale Restaurant in Canary Wharf – where the 2025 UK National Final and the British Open of the CSWC by Oliva Cigars took place.

Private Boisdale cigar room was reserved for best of the best of UK season for UK final

With live Sinatra, flowing whisky, and a lunch

that felt more like a family reunion than a high-stakes tournament, the event set a warm but competitive tone. Friends at lunch turned into fierce competitors once the cigars were cut and the stopwatch started ticking.

Oliva CSWC Mareva amazed all the participants with its incredible taste.

The British Open was filled with surprises and international flair. Competitors flew in from Spain and Italy, with Gino Iannillo from Italy walking away with the win. The charismatic Italian also donated a stunning AmiCigar ashtray… only to win it back! Second place went to dynamic Rosalie Barber, with a strong finish and a lot of courage in the final stretch. Third was claimed by chef gourmand Andrew Grice, who showed himself as one to watch in the future.

A four-course lunch at Boisdale restaurant got everyone ready for the big race.

Meanwhile, the UK National Final turned into a masterclass in composure and experience. For the third time in a row, Etan Patel, now officially known as “The Gentleman”, took the national title with effortless grace. He called time at exactly 2:00:00, though he had plenty of cigar left – a strategic and noble gesture to allow prize giving and celebration before the venue’s close. He was awarded his third Cuervo y Sobrinos luxury watch, a gold-embossed Bosquet Paris leather case, and a custom Les Fines Lames Tag cutter among other prestige awards. Etan was also invited by Gino Iannillo to join the AmiCigar friendship circle, a mark of respect among the elite.

Two champions from the UK - Gino Rosano Ianillo, winner of the UK Open, and UK National Champion Etan Patel, known as "The Gentleman."

Second place went to young rising star Evgeny Kheyna, with massive support from his family and growing fanbase. He also received a wild card entry for the Grand Final in Split, personally awarded by CSWC founder Marko Bilić. In third was steady newcomer Lee Redman, who showed cool-headed performance and was cheered on by his son Spike.

Special mentions included Vinesh Bulsara, Csaba Lucksai, and Paresh Patel, all continuing to raise their game and represent the UK on the international leaderboard.

The event was made possible by UK CSWC organizer Sarah Saunders, with tremendous support from UK judges David Bruce Taylor and Alessandro Meyer.

Sponsors included Tor Imports, S.T. Dupont, Cuervo y Sobrinos, Les Fines Lames, Damat Tween, Fumar Cigar Lounge London, Boveda, Intertabac, Bosquet Paris, and more. A heartfelt thank you to the Women’s International Cigar Club for the whisky pairing and to all spectators who created an unforgettable atmosphere.

Sarah Saunders, CSWC Global Ambassador and UK organiser with Marko Bilic listen to the inspiring winning words of the unbeatable UK Champion, Etan Patel.

With “The Gentleman” heading to Split in top form, the question lingers—can he become the first Briton to ever win the world title?

CHECK RESULTS