TOP 20 GRAND FINAL 2025 – POLAND TAKES THE CROWN, NEW HEROES RISE IN SPLIT

The Cigar Smoking World Championship by Oliva Cigars delivered one of its most dramatic Grand Finals in history. The UNESCO-protected Old City of Split was the stage for a night where legends fought, underdogs stunned, and a new world champion was crowned.

When the final seconds burned away, the glory belonged to Tomasz Żołądkiewicz of Poland, who finished with a masterful time of 2 hours, 46 minutes, and 10 seconds. A man who once set history as the first to break the 3-hour barrier, Tomasz had been away from the Grand Final stage since 2020. His comeback was nothing short of sensational, finally delivering the title to Poland after years of near misses.

THE PODIUM – A MIX OF EXPECTED AND UNEXPECTED

Joining Tomasz on the podium were two giants of the sport:

Tormod Skaraas of Norway, who at last fulfilled the promise of years of elite performances, taking silver with 2h 44m 54s.

Hauke Walter of Germany, the three-time world champion and reigning legend, who fought bravely but had to settle for third with 2h 38m 09s.

It was the podium many expected — but the road to get there was filled with shocks.

THE GENTLEMAN STUNS – PARESH PATEL IN FOURTH

Perhaps the biggest revelation of the Grand Final was Paresh Patel, with a stunning performance of 2h 33m 37s. Patel shocked the field, pushing legends to their limits and nearly stealing a podium spot. His calmness and precision made him one of the true stars of Split Grand Final 2025.

THE RETURN OF HENRIK KRISTENSSON

After a year’s break, Henrik Kristensson of Sweden, the 2021 World Champion, returned to the big stage. He proved once again why he belongs among the very best, finishing fifth with 2h 16m 38s and reminding everyone that the Swedish school of slow smoking is still alive and strong.

EPIC ITALIAN SUCCESS – MARIAN NEDELEA

In sixth place, Marian Nedelea of Italy brought glory to his country with 2h 16m 32s, marking one of the finest Italian finishes in Grand Final history. Italy, with its long tradition in CSWC, has waited for a performance like this — and Nedelea delivered it in style.

SURPRISES FROM THE BALKANS – KRIŠTO AND KNEŽEVIĆ

No one could ignore the breakthrough of Ivan Krišto of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the revelation of the season, who took ninth place with 2h 11m 41s. His rise from complete newcomer to Top 10 of the world in just one season is a story for the ages.

Right behind him, Stefan Knežević of Montenegro stunned the crowd with 2h 08m 35s, bringing his small nation into the CSWC spotlight with an unforgettable debut performance.

OTHER NOTABLES

Drew Emch of the United States (7th, 2h 15m 12s), the four-time US Champion, proved once again why he is America’s finest slow smoker.

Ivan Žižić of Croatia (8th, 2h 14m 47s), defending national champion, kept the host nation in the Top 10.

Oliver Steinhauser of Germany and Thorsten Ebers of Spain also secured strong finishes, keeping their countries in the fight for glory.

COUNTRY STANDINGS – POLAND DOMINATES

Poland emerged as the clear powerhouse of 2025, with four competitors in the Top 20, including the new world champion Żołądkiewicz, silver medalist Kowalczyk (10th), and the ever-consistent Elena Tronina. Germany, Italy, and the UK also showed depth with two competitors each, while Norway, Sweden, USA, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, and even Cyprus celebrated their place among the elite.

A FINAL FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS

The 2025 Grand Final was not just another edition of CSWC — it was a turning point. A mix of returning legends and fresh faces delivered a Top 20 that will be remembered for years to come.

And while Tomasz Żołądkiewicz finally took the title he had been chasing, the rise of names like Patel, Nadella, Krišto, and Knežević showed that the future of the sport is brighter — and more unpredictable — than ever.