CSWC by Oliva - Makes Grand Debut in Hong Kong with the best - Bertie cigar lounge

Asia’s Premier Cigar Lounge, Bertie, Brings the World’s Most Prestigious Cigar Competition to One of the Globe’s Most Iconic Cities

The stunning ambiance of Bertie cigar Lounge invites you to spend hours there.

The Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC) powered by Oliva cigars is proud to announce its debut in one of the world’s most iconic and dynamic cities—Hong Kong—brought by none other than Bertie Cigar Lounge (Hong Kong), winner of the Cigar Trophy award for Best Cigar Lounge in Asia.

The inaugural Hong Kong qualifier will take place on July 2nd, 2025.This milestone marks a historic moment not only for the CSWC powered by Oliva cigars, but for the global cigar community at large. Bringing the world championship to Hong Kong signals a powerful expansion into Asia, uniting aficionados across continents in celebration of precision, passion, and the slow art of cigar enjoyment.

The Hong Kong qualifier , as we noted, will be hosted by Bertie Cigar Lounge, a name that resonates throughout Asia for excellence and sophistication. Led by the exceptional team of Eric Piras, Agnes Caer Piras, and Antoine Riberet, Bertie has become the beating heart of cigar culture in the region.

Success behind Bertie - the remarkable Bertie team: Piras (founder), Agnes Caer Piras, and Antoine Riberet during the Cigar Trophy award ceremony; Bertie Hong Kong was awarded for Best Cigar Lounge in Asia.

"We are absolutely thrilled that Bertie Hong Kong has been chosen to host the first and historical Cigar Smoking World Championship in Hong Kong! Since the opening of the lounge, our motto has been to promote cigar culture; in addition to having the largest selection of New World cigars in Hong Kong, Bertie regularly organises cigar tastings and pairing events, aiming to help in the discovery of new brands or modules. Since Bertie has been voted ‘Best Cigar Lounge in Asia’ by the readers of Cigar Journal in 2024, we see even more enthusiasm from the cigar community, with an appetite for events where cigar smokers can gather in a perfectly adapted environment, with a relaxed atmosphere. Hong Kong is a very international and safe place, with a thriving food scene and a strong cigar culture, and we are honoured to help put it on the cigar world map through the hosting of this fantastic competition!"— Eric Piras

And from CSWC Founder, Marko Bilić, whose vision has turned a passion into a global phenomenon:

Marko Bilic, the founder of CSWC, was enjoying his time in Bertie Cigar Lounge (Hong Kong) last November

“To bring CSWC pwered by Oliva cigars to Hong Kong is not just an expansion—it’s a statement. It’s about recognizing the power, the elegance, and the cultural depth of this extraordinary city. And there’s no one better to lead this mission than Bertie. Eric and his team have created more than a lounge—they’ve built a sanctuary for cigar lovers, a place where knowledge, style, and authenticity live. This is exactly what CSWC stands for. With this launch, we are not only igniting competition—we are honoring cigar culture in one of the most exciting cities on Earth. This is history in the making, and Hong Kong, welcome to the CSWC family.”

Hong Kong, one of the most impressive and vibrant cities in the world, is now hosting CSWC.

As CSWC powered by Oliva cigars continues to unite the world through smoke, camaraderie, and the thrill of competition, the arrival in Hong Kong is a major leap forward—one that underscores the Championship’s role as the Formula 1 of the cigar world.

Don’t miss this historic first event on July 2nd, 2025. Join us at Bertie and be part of cigar history.