Last year Bosnia was supposed to make its debut on the Cigar Smoking World Championship circuit, but in the end the event was canceled. This year, the small Balkan country made it all the way to crowning its first nation slow smoking champion ever.
The competition was held at the CSWC founder Marko Bilic’s franchise cigar lounge, Club Mareva Apeiro at the prestigious Hotel Apeiro in the heart of Sarajevo.
“This milestone event marked a new chapter for cigar culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Bilic, who attended the event himself, says. “The hospitality was impeccable, with the general manager personally present to greet competitors and guests. Once the competition began, the atmosphere turned electric and the battle for first place became an unforgettable duel between Dragan Blaž and Sladjana Stjepić.”
In the end, Blaž came out victorious, with the respectable winning time of 2 hours and 28 minutes, well within the competitive range for a world championship title. Stjepić also proved herself a contender when she finished at 2 hours 22 minutes and 28 seconds, while third place went to the surprise of the day.
“Ivan Krišto, owner of Humidor Cigars in Croatia, impressed on his competition debut, reaching a time of 1 hour 52 minutes 29 seconds,” Bilic says.
After the official award ceremony, the celebration continued with an unforgettable after party.
“It was filled with music, laughter, exquisite food, and premium drinks; a true testament to the camaraderie and style which define the CSWC,” Bilic concludes.
- Dragan Blaž 2:28:00
- Sladjana Stjepić 2:22:28
- Ivan Krišto 1:52:29
