KUWAIT ENTERS THE CSWC ARENA WITH A STATEMENT VICTORY
- expertcigar
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
On a warm evening in Kuwait City, under the golden light of the Cabinet Cigar Lounge chandeliers, another powerful chapter in the Cigar Smoking World Championship by Oliva Cigars was written
This year’s CSWC by Oliva Cigars Kuwait Qualifier, held at the elegant Cabinet Cigar Lounge, was more than just another stop on the global calendar. It was a showcase of the country’s growing stature in the world of competitive slow smoking.
Owned and operated by Mohammed Al Mansour, Kuwait’s leading importer of premium cigars, the venue delivered a world-class setting. The lounge—intimate, refined, and filled with quiet luxury—earned high praise from international guests.
“I’ve been fortunate to visit lounges across the world,” said Marko Bilić, founder of the CSWC. “But Cabinet is among the most beautiful and welcoming I’ve ever stepped into. It captures everything we value in this culture—style, warmth, and a deep respect for the cigar.”
Though Kuwait has hosted CSWC qualifiers before, this edition stood out for its atmosphere and scale.
From the moment the CSWC by Oliva Cigars team arrived, the experience was defined by unmatched hospitality. Days of warm reception led to a competition evening that saw Cabinet Lounge fully booked, with demand exceeding available seats.
The contest itself delivered a dramatic, high-tension finish. In a gripping display of control and focus, Hassan Altamimi claimed the title of CSWC Kuwait Champion, winning in a photo finish that brought the lounge to a standstill. Already celebrated for his second-place finish in the Habanos World Championship Finals in Havana, and as winner of the Habanos Sommelier Contest Kuwait, Altamimi added a new title to his already impressive legacy.
“This man understands tobacco in a way few do,” said Bilić. “He has the knowledge, yes—but he also understands combustion, rhythm, and the psychology of slow smoking. He’s one of the most complete smokers I’ve ever seen.”
Salah Alrasheedi delivered a great performance, securing second place in a photo finish battle.
Salah Alrasheedi delivered a sharp, composed performance to take second place, while Bader Alseeba earned third with confidence and consistency.
The event was judged by Jeremy Casdagli, a former top competitor turned certified CSWC by Oliva Cigars judge, ensuring smooth and precise officiating. Dino Tomić, official CSWC instructor, worked closely with competitors before the event, helping them navigate the discipline’s demands.
The evening also welcomed Woody and Najat, founders of Club Mareva Beirut, whose presence added to the growing sense of regional unity and momentum across the CSWC by Oliva Cigars Middle East circuit.
None of it would have been possible without the enduring support of the official global sponsors of the CSWC by Oliva Cigars, who help raise every qualifier to world-class standards. These include:Oliva Cigars, ST Dupont, Cuervo y Sobrinos Watches, DeART Humidors, Boveda, Damat Tween, Cigar Journal, InterTabac Fair, Les Fines Lames, Bosquet Paris Cigar Etuis, and Hulecos.
In a city known for taste and tradition, Kuwait once again proved it belongs among the elite of the cigar world—not just for what it smokes, but for how it welcomes the world.
GALLERY CSWC BY OLIVA KUWAIT 2025
