MANUKYAN TRIUMPHS IN QATAR AS CSWC BY OLIVA CIGARS DELIVERS ANOTHER THRILLING FINISH
- expertcigar
- Jun 14
- 2 min read
As the CSWC by Oliva Cigars 2025 season continues to raise the level of competition worldwide, Qatar’s national qualifier delivered one of the year’s most elegant and closely contested events — all staged in the heart of Doha’s luxury scene.
Held in the prestigious cigar lounge of the St. Regis Doha, on the iconic Pearl Island, the event brought together a powerful mix of past champions, eager newcomers, and international CSWC figures — in an atmosphere befitting the stature of the championship.
The event was organized by renowned cigar personality Felipe Rojas Bruna, owner of The Humidor Company and official Oliva Cigars importer in Qatar. With his leadership, and the support of CSWC Judge Anthony, the evening unfolded with flawless execution.
Adding to the significance of the night was the presence of Marko Bilić, CSWC Founder, who attended in person, along with CSWC Judge Jeremy Casdagli, CSWC Instructor Dino Tomić, and CSWC Team and Club Mareva Manager Ana Rončević — giving the event a truly international and elite dimension.
The race itself matched the setting.
Veteran competitors and first-time challengers gathered to test their skill on the new CSWC Oliva Mareva cigar. Among them were former CSWC Qatar champions, eager to defend their ground, and newcomers ready to prove themselves.
The final moments produced one of the closest finishes of the entire 2025 season.
Aran Manukyan claimed victory, but only by a razor-thin margin of 27 seconds over standout newcomer Alejandro Caruso, whose debut performance stunned many in the field.Third place went to Ayman Al Mahdi, Qatar’s 2023 CSWC Champion, who once again demonstrated his consistency and high level of play.
“The level of competition in Qatar continues to rise each year,” Bilić said. “It is wonderful to see past champions returning, and new talents pushing them to the very edge — that is exactly what the spirit of CSWC by Oliva Cigars is all about.”
The evening concluded with a live jazz band performance, which transformed the award ceremony into a true celebration — blending elegance, music, and the unique camaraderie of the CSWC global family.
As always, the event was supported by the official global sponsors of the CSWC by Oliva Cigars: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 — whose contributions ensure that every CSWC event meets the highest standards of excellence.
With yet another dramatic finish added to this already unforgettable season, Qatar has once again proven itself a key stage in the world’s most prestigious slow-smoking competition.
