THE LEGENDS RETURN — WILL 2025 BRING THE CLASH WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR?

The stage is set in Split, Croatia, for what could become one of the most thrilling Cigar Smoking World Championship Grand Finals in history.

The CSWC is known for its epic battles, creating true legends who shine under intense pressure.

This year, the battle for the world title may see the return of names that have defined an era — and perhaps even the long-awaited showdown that fans have been dreaming about.

First on the list is Tomasz Żołądkiewicz from Poland, the first man in history to break the magical 3-hour barrier ever— and a two-time Vice World Champion. After a few years away from the spotlight, Tomasz is making a big comeback. Rumor has it, he has already been pushing past the 3-hour mark with the new Oliva Mareva on one of the official CSWC Time Chase events, proving he’s still got the precision, patience, and nerve to challenge anyone.

Tomasz Żołądkiewicz, the man who became the first in history to conquer an unimaginable 3-hour line.

Joining him is Igor Kovacic, two-time Vice World Champion and former world record holder for an incredible five years. Known for his unshakable focus and strategic smoking style, Igor’s presence alone raises the competitive temperature in Split.

Igor Kovacic, also known as the "Swedish Tiger," is regarded as one of the greatest of all time. He reached the pinnacle of success with a world record but never claimed the world champion title.

And then there’s Henrik Kristensson of Sweden, the 2021 World Champion and one of the most technically perfect smokers in CSWC history. After a year’s break from competition, Henrik is back, ready to prove that his precision and endurance can still conquer the field.

Henrik Kristensson, nicknamed "Shadow," the former world champion, is always a real threat to anyone aiming for the world champion title.

Let's not forgot Anastasya Arsenova — a competitor who lives on the razor’s edge of glory. She now holds the record with the new Oliva CSWC cigar, and many believe this could finally be her year. In 2023, she became only the second woman in history to finish on the podium at the Grand Final, taking 3rd place. Last year, she was set for the Vice Champion title until disaster struck — a burning ring drop that pushed her down to 4th place. Always close to the very top, will 2025 be the year she completes her climb?

Anastasia Arsenova - a woman with the best chance to make history in the CSWC as the first female world champion.

Oleg, a true legend, goes head-to-head with the iconic Darren Cioffi in what many consider one of the most unforgettable finals in history.

But the real intrigue? The possible return of Oleg Pedan — the two-time World Champion many call one of the greatest slow smokers of all time. Two names define this conversation: Hauke Walter and Oleg Pedan. These two slow-smoking giants have only met twice at a Grand Final. In 2018, Hauke claimed the world crown. In 2019, Oleg struck back to take the title. Since then, Oleg has not competed in a Grand Final — missing every championship from 2020 through 2024, including the years when Hauke made history by becoming the first-ever three-time World Champion and the only man to defend the title two years in a row.

Oleg is one of the rare world champions who went up against a lineup of the greatest smokers ever—and he defeated them all.

Fans know one thing for certain: when these two have met on the Grand Final stage, they’ve split the victories 1–1. Which raises a burning question for 2025 — if Oleg can secure his visa and make it to Split, could we finally see the rubber match that decides the ultimate champion of this era?

Hauke Walter, known as "Iceman," is the current world champion with impressive achievements—three-time world champion and the only one to successfully defend his title. However, he has never held the world record holder title.

With the addition of fierce newcomers and seasoned champions, the 2025 Grand Final is shaping up to be anyone’s game. Legends will return. Records will be challenged. And history might just be rewritten under the Adriatic sun.