Aufguss World Masters:
USA Nationals 2025
June 23-24 at Bathhouse, Williamsburg, NYC
Design for Leisure has partnered with Aufguss-WM, the international organization dedicated to elevating the art of Aufguss. We are proud to collaborate with Bathhouse, Williamsburg, NYC, to bring the first-ever national Aufguss competition to the USA!
Sauna masters/performers who qualify at the Nationals will be part of Team USA at the September 2025 Aufguss-WM finals in Verona, Italy.
Register for the First-Ever Aufguss-WM USA Competition!
Dates: June 23-24, 2025
Location: Bathhouse, Williamsburg, NYC
Entry Fee: FREE
Requirements: Video submission required for consideration
Categories: Compete in Solo or Team categories
Deadline: Friday, April 4, 2025
About Bathhouse
Bathhouse opened its first location in Williamsburg 2019 and became an instant mainstay with Brooklyn sauna-goers. The first to bring Aufguss sessions to New York City audiences, Bathhouse has established itself as a go-to destination for a modern sauna experience. Home to a 700 sq ft sauna with a full sound and lighting package, makes the Aufguss at Bathhouse impossible to forget.
What Is Aufguss?
Aufguss is a sauna ritual that lasts about 15 minutes, offering a multisensory wellness experience. During the session, an Aufguss master skillfully uses water, ice and towel techniques to distribute heat throughout the sauna. Essential oils, music and rhythmic movements enhance the atmosphere, creating a deeply immersive and revitalizing experience.
What Is Show Aufguss?
Show (or performance) Aufguss elevates the traditional ritual into a theatrical performance. The Aufguss master crafts a unique story using music, lighting, and aromatic infusions to transport guests on a sensory journey.
Over 10–14 minutes, different scents burst from the sauna stones, releasing waves of steam that are expertly guided over bathers using towels or fans. The heat can be soothing or intense, building in rhythm with the performance. As the steam condenses on the skin, it creates a brief yet exhilarating heat sensation. With each movement, the blend of heat, aroma, and artistry intensifies, making for a wellness experience that is as electrifying as it is relaxing.
What Is Aufguss WM?
The Aufguss World Championships (or Aufguss World Masters, aka Aufguss-WM) have been held since 2015. Until recently, the competition was very European-centric. Today, eighteen countries participate, including Japan, Canada and the USA.
Get an inside look: read this Spa Business article written by a US spectator of the 2024 Aufguss World Masters.
Rules & Regulations
You must be a US citizen or a sauna master who has worked at a US facility for a minimum of one year. Your video submission is crucial for qualification and will be reviewed by a jury to determine if you have the skills and passion required to represent Team USA!
Serious sauna masters should visit Aufguss WM's website to download the 2025 Jury Evaluation Catalogue. Also, it's critical to read the 2025 Aufguss-WM rules. Please note: qualifying solo or team competitors must obtain at least 45 points (out of 90) to compete in the finals in Italy.
Those interested in receiving specialized Show Aufguss training can get in touch for a list of specialized Aufguss World Masters trainers.
Why Compete?
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Represent your spa or sauna community on the national stage
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Compete for international recognition
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Be known as one of the USA’s top Aufguss artists
Register below for your spot in the USA Nationals!
