Habanos World Challenge: Knowledge, Technique and Experience.
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Each year, Havana becomes the heart of the premium cigar world with the Festival del Habano. Among its standout events is the Habanos World Challenge (HWC), an international competition that blends expertise, passion, and showmanship in a true celebration of Habano culture. A True Test The journey to the Habanos World Challenge begins months before the Festival. Distributors hold qualifying rounds in their respective markets to select pairs who will represent them in Havana. Each distributor can designate a team based on their criteria, but all selections must be validated by Habanos, S.A., ensuring participants meet the official competition standards. The competition is divided into two major phases: the Preliminary Round and the Grand Finale; each designed to test knowledge, skill, and creativity. In the Preliminary Round, pairs; made up of seasoned Habano enthusiasts; showcase their knowledge, passion, and communication skills. It starts with a 35-question written exam covering everything from the history and production process to brand distinctions and recent releases. Next comes the blind tasting challenge, where participants must identify details such as vitola, strength, brand, and commercial name, relying purely on their senses. Here, sensory memory and expertise come to life. Then, technical mastery takes center stage with the cutting and lighting test, where every movement is scrutinized for precision and respect for the Habano ritual. Finally, the highlight: the Habanos Moment. In this dynamic round, each team presents a Habano paired with a beverage of their choice, crafting a full sensory experience that combines creativity, storytelling, and deep knowledge. Teams that excel in these tests advance to the Grand Finale, held during the Festival del Habano: a true celebration of skill and passion. The Grand Finale: A Showcase of Excellence In the Grand Finale, contestants start from scratch with a series of fresh challenges. The Duel kicks off the round: a fast-paced quiz where correct answers push teams forward in a race of knowledge. Next is the improvisation round: contestants have five minutes to prepare and deliver a presentation on a randomly assigned topic: be it brands, product launches, or tasting experiences. Clear structure, persuasive communication, and creativity are key. Tension peaks during the blind pairing challenge, where participants must match a mystery Habano with a drink, relying solely on intuition and experience. The competition closes with the #MyUniqueHabanosMoment presentation: a personal story from each team about their journey, their connection to Habanos, and what the tradition means to them. Beyond points and titles, this is where passion truly shines. A Global Celebration Since its debut in 2018, the Habanos World Challenge has grown into a global event, bringing together enthusiasts from around the world. Over six editions, countries like Spain, Lebanon, Italy, the UAE, Greece, Colombia, Kuwait, Curaçao, and Canada have all fielded exceptional teams. A standout moment came in 2024, when Canada, competing for the first time, won the title, showcasing the event’s growing international reach. Champions over the years include:
The Habanos World Challenge is more than a competition; it’s a tribute to the culture, history, and artistry of Habanos. It unites aficionados in a shared celebration of tradition, passion, and craftsmanship. Preparations for the next edition are already underway. In the coming months, Habanos Exclusive Distributors will host local qualifiers, inviting the most passionate connoisseurs to compete in one of the cigar world’s most prestigious events. |
