LATVIA HOSTS A SMOKY SUMMER CLASSIC AS RIGA CIGAR CLUB IGNITES THE CSWC BY OLIVA CIGARS

Beneath the historic roof of the K.K. fon Stricka villa, the heart of Riga pulsed with jazz, cigars, and competition as the Cigar Smoking World Championship by Oliva Cigars landed in Latvia

Organized with flair and precision by the Riga Cigar Club, this event once again proved that slow smoking is a sport of strategy, style, and soul.

More than 25 competitors from Latvia, Finland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia gathered to challenge their skills — and each other — while experiencing the Oliva Mareva CSWC competition cigar for the first time. The day began in high spirits with a stylish barbecue lunch, jazz music, Porto wine tastings, and cocktails made with Smokehead whisky, accompanied by Oliva Serie V Melanio Edición Año 2024 and Connecticut Reserve Toro — a true feast for the senses.

As the afternoon sun gave way to the tension of the tournament, all eyes turned to the smoking tables.

In true CSWC tradition, the drama unfolded early: Karel Hana, visiting from the Czech Republic, was the first to bow out—at 9 minutes—and received a special prize for his lighthearted exit. Even more surprising was the early departure of reigning champion Oleg Roshchin, who left the competition at the 33-minute mark, showing that no title is safe in this unforgiving race.

From the opening burn, it was Nikola Barnjak who showed championship form—cool, composed, and in control. Though his final time was 1h 45m 55s, it was clear he had more in the tank but chose not to prolong the competition unnecessarily, securing victory with ease and humility.

Behind him, the silver went to Elnur Rahimov with a sharp 1h 29m 50s, while Anatoliy Evseev pulled off a remarkable survival effort to take third, maintaining composure with a sliver of cigar long enough to outlast multiple opponents.

The winners were awarded luxurious prizes made possible by the official global sponsors of the CSWC:Oliva Cigar Co., S.T. Dupont, Les Fines Lames, Cuervo y Sobrinos, Damat Tween, Bosquet Paris Cigar Etuis, Cigar Journal, Hulecos, DeART Humidors, and the InterTabac Fair.

Their continued support elevates every chapter of the championship and honors the precision, passion, and patience that define this global competition.

With Riga delivering both class and competition, all eyes now turn toward Split and the CSWC Grand Final, where Latvia will be represented in true style.