Aufguss World Masters:
USA Nationals 2025
Things got hot in Brooklyn—really hot! America’s first-ever Aufguss USA National Competition just wrapped at Bathhouse Williamsburg, where sauna masters turned up the heat with jaw-dropping performances blending choreography, storytelling, and clouds of intoxicating scents.
And The Winners Are...
Solo Category:
1st Place: Alonzo Solórzano, Head Sauna Master at Bathhouse NYC
2nd Place: Travis Talmadge, Sauna Master and co-founder of Bathhouse NYC
3rd Place: TJ Lupo, Sauna Master at MindZero Wellness, Virginia
Team Category:
1st Place: Joli and Alexi Irvine, Sauna Masters at Fontainebleau, Las Vegas
2nd Place: Alonzo Solórzano and Tovi Wayne, Sauna Masters at Bathhouse NYC
What's Next?
First place winners will represent Team USA at the Aufguss World Master Championships at Aquardens in Verona, Italy, September 15-21, 2025.
Second place winners have the opportunity to compete in the Playoffs taking place at SATAMA Sauna Resort & Spa in Wendisch Rietz, Germany, August 28-31, 2025, giving them a final chance to qualify for the World Masters.
“I was totally blown away by the quality of the competition – all the sauna masters brought their ‘A-game’ to the stage.
The energy, the artistry, the enthusiasm from the crowd—every part of it felt electric. Seeing the sauna overflowing with guests showed just how ready the USA is to embrace Aufguss culture!”
–– Travis Talmadge, co-founder of Bathhouse and second-place solo winner.
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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.
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
Rules & Regulations
Competitors must be US citizens or sauna masters who have worked at a US facility for at least one year to qualify. Serious sauna masters interested in learning about what's required for competition in an Aufguss WM event should visit Aufguss WM's website to download the 2025 Jury Evaluation Catalogue.
Those interested in receiving specialized Show Aufguss training can get in touch for a list of specialized Aufguss World Masters trainers.