KOWALCZYK CLAIMS POLISH TITLE IN MARATHON SMOKE – 3H 08M 15S

July 26, 2025 will go down as a landmark date in Poland’s cigar history, as thirty competitors from across the country gathered for the Polish Slow Cigar Smoking Championship

Hosted with impeccable detail by IGUANA Górski, Kurek Company, the event was steeped in the aromas of premium cigars, sizzling grills, and well-chilled drinks. Yet behind the festive atmosphere lay a deeper storyline — one of transition, legacy, and the emergence of a new generation.

For the first time in years, two pillars of Polish slow smoking — Boris and Klaudia — will not be appearing at the CSWC Grand Final in Split, both absent for private reasons. This left the door wide open for both seasoned legends and fresh challengers to seize the spotlight.

Among them was the legendary Tomasz Żołądkiewicz, the first in CSWC history to break the 3-hour mark twice on the world stage, a former double Vice Champion who returned with trademark precision.

And Elena Tronina, a constant force in the sport and former Women’s World Champion, again proved her caliber with a podium finish.

But the day belonged to a new face.

1st Place – Mariusz Kowalczyk (3:08:15)With poise and focus well beyond his rookie status, Kowalczyk outlasted the entire field, delivering a time that plants him firmly among the sport’s elite. His performance signals that Poland’s conveyor belt of top-tier talent shows no sign of slowing.

2nd Place – Tomasz Żołądkiewicz (2:54:33)A return worthy of his reputation — sharp, disciplined, and never far from the leader.

3rd Place – Elena Tronina (2:39:30)Grace, skill, and consistency from one of the sport’s most respected female champions.

Just behind them, Marcin Sakowski (2:34:00) and Dariusz Jacek (2:19:50) added further proof of Poland’s depth.

The competition was judged by two of the finest referees in the world — Marcin Lewandowski and Filip Rudzinski— whose expertise and precision once again set the highest standards.

“We’re proud to have them as part of the 2025 season,” said organizers. “Their work is a key reason why these championships run flawlessly.”

“This year’s field was one of the most evenly matched and high-caliber we’ve ever seen,” organizers concluded.

As Kowalczyk now prepares for Split, the question isn’t whether Poland will have contenders — it’s which of them will rise highest on the world stage.