Four Cigar Aficionados Win Issues Autographed By Cody Rhodes
Four lucky cigar lovers have received their prize after being named winners of Cigar Aficionado’s most recent contest. As part of the sweepstakes, four recipients were randomly selected to each receive an autographed copy of the March/April issue of Cigar Aficionado, signed by cover star and undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes. The contest kicked off last month, after Rhodes signed the issues bearing his likeness before a WWE Raw event at Madison Square Garden on March 30. One of the four winners also earned our grand prize honors, which included not only the autographed copy but a pair of VIP tickets to the Big Smoke Florida, which took place this past Friday, May 8. We caught up with the winners after their issues arrived in the mail.
Isaac Harper of Goshen, New York, is new to cigars, starting just this year, but he’s eager to learn more. It appears he has a bit of beginner’s luck on side too, as he passed up entering the contest for more than a week, thinking he never stood a chance to win. But, just before the contest concluded, the WWE fan decided that he might as well throw his name in the hat. “After entering, I received a discount code and subscribed to Cigar Aficionado. After a month, I forgot about the contest and then one day received an email saying I won. My reaction was Holy Sh**, I won,” says Harper. “I just received the signed copy, and it looks great. I can't wait to read it once, then frame and display it. Thank you to Cigar Aficionado, Cody Rhodes and everyone involved.” Harper added that he planned to celebrate by lighting up a cigar with his replica WWE championship belt nearby.
The second sweepstakes winner hails from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. James Powell says he’s “excited and honored” to be selected. Plus, as a wrestling fan, he enjoyed learning more about Rhodes. “The accompanying article gives some great insights on Cody and his legendary father,” says Powell. “Being a massive fan of his journey in the pro wrestling world this is definitely an item I'll treasure. Thank you Cody Rhodes and Cigar Aficionado.”
John Mank of Lewes, Delaware, shared in his enthusiasm after receiving his issue. The eager Mank was looking forward to exploring the contents of the magazine, and expressed his gratitude for being chosen as a winner.
As lucky as the three former recipients were, our grand prize winner hit the jackpot. Jeremiah Mallow is an entrepreneur from Browns Summit, North Carolina. In addition to the signed March/April issue, Mallow received two VIP tickets to Big Smoke Florida, held this past Friday at the Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort. He attended, marking his first-ever Big Smoke experience—and it did not disappoint.
“The Big Smoke delivered on every level,” says Mallow. “From meeting the makers and blenders to connecting with fellow enthusiasts, every interaction added depth to the experience. The passion and authenticity throughout the event were undeniable.”
Another perk aficionados appreciate at Big Smokes is the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from all over the country. Many new friendships and communities have been born at Big Smokes over the years, and this very dynamic left an impression on Mallow.
“What stood out most was the community. Big Smoke brought together people who genuinely appreciate cigars as a tradition, not just a product. Conversations felt natural, and the shared respect for the craft was everywhere,” he says, before adding: “I’m sincerely thankful to Cigar Aficionado for the opportunity. An experience I will not forget.”
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