Aichholzer sets slow-smoking record

The second U.K. and the final qualifying tournament for the 2016 Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC) took place in London on July 8 at the world-famous James J. Fox’s 19 St. James Street.

Judged by Marko Bilic, founder of CSWC, and the previous world-record holder, Darren Cioffi, the event was sponsored by Sarah Saunders of Women’s International Cigar Club (WICC), Principle Cigars, Ron Mulata Rum and Macanudo Inspirado Cigars.

It was a night to remember—a thrilling, record breaking qualifier and the celebration of cigar friendships, conviviality and fun.

The overall competition winner and the new world record holder in women’s category is Cosima Aichholzer. In her first attempt at the slow-smoking challenge, the author of the upcoming book, The Cigar World, beat the previous world record held by Christina Bartnikowski by six minutes. With a smoking time of two hours, nine minutes and six seconds, she joined the world’s top 15 slow smokers.

Charlie Murphy of Ron Mulata rum came second with a smoking time of two hours one minute and 58 seconds.

Evan Smith came third with one hour 45 minutes and 35 seconds smoking time.

The U.K. will be cheering Cosima Aichholzer at the World Championship in Split, Croatia, Sept 1-4. WICC, Principle Cigars, Macanudo and Club Mareva look forward to the third U.K. qualifying tournament and another fantastic event at James J. Fox in 2017.