SECOND YEAR AT CSWC BY OLIVA PRINCESTON DELIVERED UNBELIEVABLE FINISH
- expertcigar
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 19 hours ago
The beautiful, cozy, and exclusive private club "At Earth's End" offered a spectacular competition ring, with a finish that felt straight out of a movie scene.
For the second year, the “At Earth’s End” private and exclusive club gathered some of last year’s best competitors along with new faces. The vibrant atmosphere, bourbon tasting for both competitors and spectators before the contest, warm hugs from friendships made last year, and handshakes with new friends made the setting electric with anticipation for the second-year competition.
Last year, “At Earth’s End” produced the USA champion, so competitors were eager to see what would happen this time. With special guests Marko Bilic, Michael McManeen, CSWC USA director Christina Bartnikowski (she introduce CSWC to "At Earth's End"), and Christopher from Hulecos ensuring all cigars stayed in perfect humidity, CSWC Princeton had already gained serious prestige.
The competition began strong, with most participants keeping their cigars lit for over the average 30 minutes—it promised to be an exciting one. John Cerminaro dominated throughout, showing sharp focus and total control, looking like he was already on the throne.
But CSWC is a game decided at the last puff, and like in many famous sports (such as soccer), you can lead the whole match only to see everything change in the final moments.
That’s exactly what happened to John—Joe Palermo was close to calling his time for second place, when John entered the tricky final third of the cigar, where control is hardest, and he lost his flame. Seconds later, Joe called his time, his ring intact, and claimed victory.
Third place went to Dante, just nine minutes behind John. What a spectacle! The prize-giving ceremony followed, leading into a celebration that lasted late into the night. This competition will be remembered as a prime example of how challenging and unpredictable CSWC can be.
1st Joe Palermo 1H 40M 45S
2nd John Cerminaro 1H 40M 07S
3rd Dante Perez 1H 31M 40S
