THE GUARDIANS OF PERFECTION — CSWC 2025 JUDGE TEAM DELIVERS A FLAWLESS GRAND FINAL

In every sport, behind every champion, there stands a team of silent heroes — the judges who protect the fairness, integrity, and honor of the competition.

At the 2025 Cigar Smoking World Championship Grand Final in Split, that role was carried out with absolute excellence by the CSWC International Judge Team, led for the first time by Head Judge Sarah Saunders of the United Kingdom.

This year’s Grand Final was one of the most demanding in CSWC history. With competitors from more than 50 nations, the introduction of the new Oliva Mareva competition cigar, and the largest international judging team ever assembled, precision and coordination were crucial

From the moment the lights dimmed at Le Méridien Lav Resort, Sara and her global team — representing countries as far apart as Japan, Reunion Island, Belgium, Azerbaijan, Finland, the USA, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, and Croatia — performed with surgical accuracy. Every ash fall, every detail was monitored with unwavering focus.

“This was a year that truly tested us,” said Head Judge Sara Saunders. “The new cigar changed the rhythm of the game completely. But our team was ready. We prepared for weeks, held pre-meetings, and worked as one — to make sure the world’s biggest cigar competition was judged to perfection.”

And perfection it was. The 2025 Grand Final, the largest in CSWC history, ran smoothly from start to finish — a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the CSWC Judges Association. Under Sara’s guidance, the judging process reached a level of structure and transparency, setting a high global standard for the years ahead.

The inclusion of new international judges from across continents symbolized what CSWC truly represents — a united global family where precision meets passion.

Their coordinated effort ensured that every competitor, from the first puff to the last ember, had the same conditions, the same respect, and the same chance to fight for glory.

In Split, the champions claimed their titles — but the judges earned something equally important: the admiration and gratitude of the entire CSWC world.

“It’s easy to celebrate the winner,” said CSWC Founder Marko Bilic, “but the quiet discipline of our judges is what makes those victories possible. This year, Sara and her team proved once again why CSWC is respected across the cigar world for its integrity and precision.”

The 2025 CSWC Grand Final will be remembered not only for its epic finish, but for the flawless performance of the guardians who ensured it.