Shkira Wins CSWC Kosovo | Cigar Journal

Last year the first Cigar Smoking World Championship qualifier in one of the world’s youngest countries, Kosovo, was held at the newly opened and latest branch of Club Mareva cigar lounges in the world. Located on the most popular street in Pristhina, the event attracted a big crowd.

“The atmosphere was electric, yet elegant, as competitors gathered not just to win, but to celebrate the art of cigar smoking,” CSWC founder Marko Bilic says.

After 1 hour 21 minutes and 29 seconds the first national slow smoking champion in Kosovo was crowned, but this year neither Nikola Popovski nor any of the others in the top three were back on the podium. It was all new names.

After 1 hour 19 minutes and 4 seconds, the race was over, and the name of the new Kosovo slow smoking champion is Andi Shkira.

“It was a performance to be proud of, clocking in at a personal best,” Bilic says. “With steady hands and a calm presence, Andi proved that consistency and focus are the true keys to success in this discipline.”

Krenar Sadiku came in second at 1 hour 6 minutes and 44 seconds, and almost five minutes behind him, Fidan Gashi took third place.

Shkira might not be a top contender at the grand final in Split, but slow smokers in Kosovo are gaining experience, and all in all, Bilic is happy with the sophomore event in his neighboring country.

“Kosovo once again demonstrated its dedication to the CSWC movement,” he concludes. “We look forward to seeing more talent rise from this vibrant region in the seasons ahead.”

1. Andi Shkira 1:19:04
2. Krenar Sadiku 1:06:44
3. Fidan Gashi 1:02:00