MEET THE MASTERS: DISTINGUISHED PANEL OF GRAND FINAL JUDGES

NEWS

CSWC GRAND FINAL 2023 REVIEW AND IMPRESSIONS

**"CSWC Grand Final 2023: A Spectacle and Experience to Remember - Review and Impressions"**

CSWC Grand Final arena ready for final race of season 2023

The Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC) Grand Final 2023 descended upon us like a grand symphony, an exquisite blend of tradition, camaraderie, and slow-smoking mastery. As the world's finest slow smokers gathered for this prestigious event, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and excitement.

The grandeur of the CSWC Grand Final was a testament to the global cigar community's unwavering passion for the art of slow smoking. Seasoned veterans and promising newcomers alike entered the hallowed arena at the Radisson Hotel, ready to engage in the most challenging cigar battle of all – the Grand Final of slow smoking.

Picture this: men and women in elegant gala attire, seated around round tables adorned with Chivas Scotch whiskeys, set against a backdrop of sheer luxury. It was an ambiance reminiscent of a scene from a James Bond movie, where cigars, sophistication, and camaraderie took center stage. - Sarah Saunders, honored deputy judge

Grand Final World Champion prizes ready for new champion

Spectators area with Champagne, cocktails and cigars

Spectators had the pleasure of indulging in Rocky Patel cigars, Mumms Champagne, and Chivas cocktails as they cheered on their compatriots and personal favorites. The ever-enthusiastic Rocky Patel and Marko Bilic served as commentators, transferring the electric energy of the competition to the audience.

But this Grand Final was not just a cigar-smoking event; it was a historical spectacle. For the first time ever, a cigar competition was broadcasted live, transforming it into an event akin to top-tier sports broadcasts. This groundbreaking moment captured the imagination of cigar enthusiasts worldwide, with many cigar lounges hosting group viewings, where local cigar club members could smoke, watch, and passionately support their favorite competitors.

Founder of CSWC Marko Bilic and Rocky Patel during cutting ceremony. In the background Marija Marovic CSWC Head Judge

Live broadcast of CSWC Grand Final was historical event for cigar world and it's promotion

Cigar Journal press corner with live impressions during Grand Final race

The elite panel of judges, sharp and fair, presided over the final race with unyielding focus, ensuring that every competitor's puff was scrutinized to the very last. The competitors themselves delivered outstanding performances. The established slow smoking elite demonstrated their prowess as expected, while rising stars showcased their readiness to make history in the future.

Of course, no grand finale is complete without its share of shocks and surprises. One such moment was the early exit of Borys Szodziack from Poland, unable to defend his World Champion title from 2022. This twist of fate left the path wide open for a new name to claim the throne.

The judge Elite 2023 - Grand Final Judges of the final race of slow smoking 2023

Official Humidity control in combination with Boveda official humidity provider made all cigars to be inspected and ready for final race

Klaudia Ide, also from Poland and a World Record Holder, fought valiantly but fell short in her bid. She was bested by Anastasia Arsenova from Russia (representing Kazakhstan), who emerged as the new Woman World Champion. Anastasia's exceptional performance also earned her a spot among the top three overall positions of the Grand Final. It was a closely fought battle with Henrik Kristenson from Sweden, who surpassed her in time but faced penalties, ultimately finishing in fourth place.

However, the most significant surprise came from Andrey Leontev from Moscow, defending the colors of the Belarus flag. His stunning performance saw him break his personal record, elevating him to the second-best Russian smoker of all time and securing his place at the 7th spot on the TOP 20 list of best slow smokers of all time.

World Record holder Klaudia Ide in the focus. She performed average for her standards - she finished 6th

After long time waiting, Anastasya Arsenova became Woman World Champion and 3rd woman in the history who enter top 3 of the Final

Andrey Leontiev and his biggest success of carrier - 2nd position, or title of Vice Champion of the World

Henrik Kristensson from Sweden went on all in - he lost third place by burning the ring and gaining 15 penalty minutes

But the ultimate champion of the evening was Hauke Walter, known as the "Ice Man." His unwavering focus, patience, and competitive spirit carried him to victory, making him the third competitor in CSWC history to win the World Champion title twice. He broke his personal record, climbing to the 5th position on the TOP 20 list of the best slow smokers of all time. Hauke Walter's triumph is a testament to his legendary status in the world of slow smoking.

Among the true surprises of the Grand Final were Norway and Italy. Both nations etched their names in the annals of CSWC history. Tormod Skaaraas of Norway achieved a remarkable 5th place, with an astonishing smoking time that left us all in awe. Meanwhile, Marian Nedelea from Italy catapulted his country into the elite ranks with his performance. Smoking for over two and a half hours, he secured the 9th place and set a new record for Italy.

Tormod Skaaraas from Norway, the biggest surprises of the season 2023

Hauke Walter from Germany in moment of 2nd World Champion victory

Ean Patel of the United Kingdom (left), the man with the most technical cigar issues, and Drew Emch of the US, who receives judge warnings and thus loses focus and a strong place in the race.

Marian Nedelea - the man who changed history of Italian slow smoking. One of the biggest surprises of the season 2023 took 9th place

But the ultimate champion of the evening was Hauke Walter, known as the "Ice Man." His unwavering focus, patience, and competitive spirit carried him to victory, making him the third competitor in CSWC history to win the World Champion title twice. He broke his personal record, climbing to the 5th position on the TOP 20 list of the best slow smokers of all time. Hauke Walter's triumph is a testament to his legendary status in the world of slow smoking.

Among the true surprises of the Grand Final were Norway and Italy. Both nations etched their names in the annals of CSWC history. Tormod Skaaraas of Norway achieved a remarkable 5th place, with an astonishing smoking time that left us all in awe. Meanwhile, Marian Nedelea from Italy catapulted his country into the elite ranks with his performance. Smoking for over two and a half hours, he secured the 9th place and set a new record for Italy.

This remarkable event was made possible thanks to the generous support of global sponsors who deserve heartfelt gratitude for their commitment to the CSWC. Rocky Patel cigars, Boveda humidification solutions, Hulecos humidification technology, Les Fines Lames official CSWC cutter, Cuervo y Sobrinos official timekeeper, Intertabac fair, St. Dupont cigar accessories, Cigar Journal magazine, Croatia Revealed, Dentelli dental clinic, and Maison de Tercecret humidors all contributed to the success of the CSWC Grand Final 2023. Special thanks to HDD band who made this evening amazing musical experience.