Kosovo is the latest addition to the Cigar Smoking World Championship circuit, and unsurprisingly the country’s first ever qualifier took place at the newly opened Club Mareva in the capital, Pristhina. Main judge, equally unsurprising, was Marko Bilic, founder of both Club Mareva and the CSWC.

“He was was visibly emotional as he witnessed the realization of his dream to hold competitions in various Mareva clubs worldwide,” it says on the CSWC website.

The competition itself was a close one. Only one minute separated the winner from second place. In the end Nikola Popovski from North Macedonia was crowned the first Kosovo champion when he smoked for 1 hour 21 minutes and 29 seconds. Dren Kllokoqi finished at1 hour 20 minutes and 25 seconds and Gentuar Deliu in third place reached a time of 1 hour 13minutes and 11 seconds.

“Following the competition, a vibrant party ensued, celebrating the success of the event and the grand opening of Club Mareva’s new top location on the most popular street in Prishtina,” the CSWC website states. “This inaugural event marked a significant milestone for the Mareva family.”

1.     Nikola Popovski 1h, 21min, 29sec
2.     Dren Kllokoqi 1h, 20min, 25sec
3.     Gentuar Deliu 1h, 13min, 11sec

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