Habanos World Challenge Mercado Cuba Holds Second Edition in Havana
The Hotel Nacional de Cuba hosted Friday the second edition of the Habanos World Challenge Mercado Cuba, a competition dedicated to showcasing the art, culture and expertise surrounding the Habanos cigar, one of Cuba’s most iconic and internationally recognized products. The event took place in the historic Cabaret Internacional, a setting that added an atmosphere of elegance and tradition to the occasion.
Following its debut in 2024 and the edition held in Madrid last September, the competition has quickly established itself as a must-attend gathering for cigar enthusiasts and professionals of the premium tobacco industry. Participants view the event as a unique opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a highly demanding environment.
The Habanos World Challenge highlights the professionalism, expertise and passion of those who work with Cuban premium tobacco, widely regarded as a symbol of excellence, cultural identity and national pride. This year, participating clubs include Gaviota, Olas y Aromas, Puro Cubano, and Caracol, and the gala was hosted by Cuban journalist Camilo Pérez Pérez.
The competition is divided into three stages, each designed to test theoretical, technical and sensory mastery. The first challenge consists of a 35-question test in 35 minutes, where contestants must demonstrate their knowledge of cigar culture. The second phase is a blind tasting, in which participants identify the vitola, strength, aroma and flavor nuances of the cigar. The final test, known as “Momento Habanos,” evaluates cutting, lighting and pairing techniques, where candidates must create the perfect harmony between cigar and beverage—combining skill, elegance and presentation.
The judging panel is composed of leading figures from the tobacco world: Yunier Machado Yera presides over the jury, accompanied by Ana Isel Mederos, specialist from the iconic El Laguito factory; José Carlos de Santiago, President of Grupo Excelencias; Pedro Tejeda, Habanos Sommelier; and experts Teresa Quintana and Lourdes de la Noval.
The teams competing this year include: Gaviota (Ángel Ramón Borges and Carlo Alberto Palomar), Olas y Aromas (Leandro Díaz Prendes and Marcos Barbados Rodríguez), Puro Cubano Cigar Club (Iván Collazo Garcés and Luis Martínez Pérez), and Caracol (Tania Franco Perdomo and Alina Prado Morales). All teams face identical tests, where precision, technique and sensory perception are key to winning.
With its second edition, the Habanos World Challenge Mercado Cuba is consolidating its status as an international benchmark—an event that merges tradition, knowledge and lifestyle around the Habanos cigar, a product that continues to reinforce Cuba’s position as the undisputed leader in the world of premium tobacco.
