RECORDS, RIVALS, AND A ROOFTOP SHOWDOWN – CSWC MALAYSIA 2025

Last Saturday, Kuala Lumpur’s skyline became the backdrop for one of Southeast Asia’s most thrilling CSWC battles yet.

The legendary Marini’s on 57, perched high above the city with its glittering views of the iconic Petronas Towers, once again hosted Malaysia’s premier slow smoking event — a combination of class, competition, and camaraderie.

Competitors from across Asia flocked to the 57th floor, joined by judges from Greece and The Netherlands, turning the evening into a true United Nations of Slow Smoking. Locals were joined by a strong Indonesian contingent, as well as participants from Brunei, Singapore, Poland, and Cuba — though, in true CSWC fashion, the Polish competitor lives in Thailand, and the Cuban calls Malaysia home.

The lineup promised fireworks. Four-time Malaysian champion Wilson Lim was defending his crown. Two-time winner Yadie Dayana was ready to challenge him. Julian Ho, fresh off a victory at the Sabah Time Trial in Kota Kinabalu, had his eyes on the main title. And from Phuket, two-time champion Mutia Chaniago added even more firepower to the competition table.

But on this night, the spotlight belonged to MH Zahari. In a flawless performance, he outlasted the heavy hitters and set a new Malaysian record of 2 hours and 16 minutes — a time that could shake up the international standings. Wilson Lim fought valiantly to retain his title, but finished runner-up at 2:04. Third place went to Abdul Rokib of BIN Cigars, the top Indonesian performer, with a strong 1:58.

Yet even those without trophies walked away as winners. The spirit of the evening extended beyond the competition tables — new friendships were forged, old ones rekindled, and the air was thick with laughter, the aroma of fine cigars, and the sense of community that defines the CSWC.

Results:

🥇 MH Zahari – 2:16 (New Malaysian Record)

🥈 Wilson Lim – 2:04

🥉 Abdul Rokib – 1:58