THE ELITE JUDGES OF THE CSWC GRAND FINAL 2025

At the CSWC Grand Final 2025 in Split, the eyes of the cigar world will not only be on the competitors but also on the international team of judges whose expertise ensures that every puff, every millimeter of ash, and every second is counted with absolute integrity.

This year, the judging panel reflects the global reach of the CSWC itself. From Belgium, Denmark, Azerbaijan, the United States, Italy, Japan, England, Réunion Island, Finland, Croatia, Sweden, and even Hedjaz, the world’s best-trained judges will gather in one place, forming a true international coalition of cigar knowledge and precision.

Leading this elite corps is Sara Sanders of England, newly appointed Head Judge of the CSWC. Known for her dedication, professionalism, and years of service within the circuit, Sanders embodies the values of the championship: patience, focus, and respect for the tradition of slow smoking.

What makes this panel extraordinary is not only their diverse backgrounds but their shared devotion to the art of judging. Each has gone through rigorous training, many under the guidance of Sanders herself, and each has overseen national qualifiers across the globe — from the historic lounges of Europe to the vibrant cigar communities of Asia, the Americas, and beyond.

In Split, their mission is clear:To guarantee that every competitor, from world champions to newcomers, faces absolute equality. That every Oliva CSWC cigar is judged under the same standards. That the spirit of sportsmanship remains untouched.

The CSWC Grand Final 2025 will crown a World Champion — but it will also once again prove the professionalism of a judging team that has become the envy of the cigar world.

They are not just referees. They are the silent guardians of history, the arbiters of precision, and the protectors of the fairness that makes the CSWC the most prestigious cigar competition on earth.