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MEET OUR 2026 COMPETITORS
Alexi Irvine & Joli Irvine
(Show: Teams)
Alexi & Joli Irvine are Las Vegas–based sauna masters at Lapis Spa & Wellness at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, where they are helping define a new standard for performance-led Aufguss in the U.S. With backgrounds as professional dancers, including work on major Las Vegas stages. The sisters bring choreography, precision, and storytelling into the sauna.
In 2025, they were crowned Team Champions at the inaugural Aufguss USA Nationals, earning the opportunity to represent the U.S. internationally. Their work reflects a new generation of American Aufguss—one that merges technical mastery with theatrical performance—and they continue to refine their craft through ongoing training and global collaboration.
Alexi & Joli Irvine are Las Vegas–based sauna masters at Lapis Spa & Wellness at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, where they are helping define a new standard for performance-led Aufguss in the U.S. With backgrounds as professional dancers, including work on major Las Vegas stages. The sisters bring choreography, precision, and storytelling into the sauna.
In 2025, they were crowned Team Champions at the inaugural Aufguss USA Nationals, earning the opportunity to represent the U.S. internationally. Their work reflects a new generation of American Aufguss—one that merges technical mastery with theatrical performance—and they continue to refine their craft through ongoing training and global collaboration.
Alonzo Solorzano
(Show: Solo & Teams)
Alonzo Solorzano is the 2025 Aufguss USA Nationals Solo Champion. He is the Director of Aufguss at Bathhouse, practicing for four years. Alonzo entered Aufguss as an exploration of movement and philosophy and committed himself to the craft. He brings intensity and passion into his ceremonies and is eager to defend his title.
Alonzo Solorzano is the 2025 Aufguss USA Nationals Solo Champion. He is the Director of Aufguss at Bathhouse, practicing for four years. Alonzo entered Aufguss as an exploration of movement and philosophy and committed himself to the craft. He brings intensity and passion into his ceremonies and is eager to defend his title.
Alycia Wong
(Modern Classic Solo / Show Aufguss Team with Sarah Spoto)
Alycia is Colorado’s first Master of Aufguss and a somatic embodiment guide for the journey inward. Internationally certified in breathwork, movement, thermalist practices, and somatic disciplines, she founded The Way Hōm as an answer to transactional wellness - offering practices designed for homecoming, rather than escape. Her Aufguss practice has been featured at Great Northern Festival in MN, Culture of Bathe-ing in NYC, and Herbarium Festival at Therme Erding and Badaparadies Schwarzwald in Germany.
Aufguss is a felt experience that words can barely begin to describe. The sensations, the aromas, the presence of a sauna master and their skill with moving a towel in the space - you’re transported to an entirely different world where the busyness of the mind settles, and permission granted to be fully present.
There's something so magical about sharing the space with other humans over a good sweat, and the joy that is cultivated within the space. The more I've immersed myself in this world, the more the phrase "Aufguss Family" resonates as a community that feels like a warm embrace; where you come together to feel the awe, the tension, and everything in between.
Alycia is Colorado’s first Master of Aufguss and a somatic embodiment guide for the journey inward. Internationally certified in breathwork, movement, thermalist practices, and somatic disciplines, she founded The Way Hōm as an answer to transactional wellness - offering practices designed for homecoming, rather than escape. Her Aufguss practice has been featured at Great Northern Festival in MN, Culture of Bathe-ing in NYC, and Herbarium Festival at Therme Erding and Badaparadies Schwarzwald in Germany.
Aufguss is a felt experience that words can barely begin to describe. The sensations, the aromas, the presence of a sauna master and their skill with moving a towel in the space - you’re transported to an entirely different world where the busyness of the mind settles, and permission granted to be fully present.
There's something so magical about sharing the space with other humans over a good sweat, and the joy that is cultivated within the space. The more I've immersed myself in this world, the more the phrase "Aufguss Family" resonates as a community that feels like a warm embrace; where you come together to feel the awe, the tension, and everything in between.
Breana Marshall
(Show: Team)
Breana is a professional dancer and Sauna Master born and raised in NYC. She began her Aufguss practice in 2024 at Bathhouse Williamsburg, drawn to the way movement, music, and the art of waving seamlessly blend into an immersive and healing experience. She is excited to continue growing in the field and compete in the 2026 US Nationals.
Breana is a professional dancer and Sauna Master born and raised in NYC. She began her Aufguss practice in 2024 at Bathhouse Williamsburg, drawn to the way movement, music, and the art of waving seamlessly blend into an immersive and healing experience. She is excited to continue growing in the field and compete in the 2026 US Nationals.
Devin Richey
Show (Solo)
Devin Richey is a NYC-based sauna master, wellness practitioner, dancer, choreographer, director, educator, musician, + stagehand. As an entertainer, his experience is broad spectrum: Broadway, film/television, live performance, contemporary dance companies, immersive + interactive projects.
Sauna: Sauna Master at Bathhouse, previously Guide at Othership (1.5yrs). His own practice in Aufguss brought him to Culture of Bathe-ing’s NYC Festival 2026, sharing modern classic Aufguss, and specialty dance performance Aufguss in their show sauna.
Performance: VMAs, UN, Metropolitan Opera, Phish @ MSG, Burning Man, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Beyond Babel, Rua’s West Side Story, PuffCo, Hulaween, DAYBREAKER, +…
Creative: A Beautiful Noise Broadway, Spiral Bound, Eamon Foley’s Sunday in the Park…, Fanny: Fantasy in G; Limón2, Steps Conservatory; Mona Matsuoka, Gina Volpe, mocap, 43, +…
Education: Faculty (Theater Fusion) @ Steps On Broadway; teaching domestically + internationally (Tokyo); Guest Movement Coach: Marina Zoueva’s Olympic International Skating Academy.
Other: ASM @ The Stranger, Pace BFA Commercial Dance, rep. Bloc NYC. @devrichey
Devin Richey is a NYC-based sauna master, wellness practitioner, dancer, choreographer, director, educator, musician, + stagehand. As an entertainer, his experience is broad spectrum: Broadway, film/television, live performance, contemporary dance companies, immersive + interactive projects.
Sauna: Sauna Master at Bathhouse, previously Guide at Othership (1.5yrs). His own practice in Aufguss brought him to Culture of Bathe-ing’s NYC Festival 2026, sharing modern classic Aufguss, and specialty dance performance Aufguss in their show sauna.
Performance: VMAs, UN, Metropolitan Opera, Phish @ MSG, Burning Man, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Beyond Babel, Rua’s West Side Story, PuffCo, Hulaween, DAYBREAKER, +…
Creative: A Beautiful Noise Broadway, Spiral Bound, Eamon Foley’s Sunday in the Park…, Fanny: Fantasy in G; Limón2, Steps Conservatory; Mona Matsuoka, Gina Volpe, mocap, 43, +…
Education: Faculty (Theater Fusion) @ Steps On Broadway; teaching domestically + internationally (Tokyo); Guest Movement Coach: Marina Zoueva’s Olympic International Skating Academy.
Other: ASM @ The Stranger, Pace BFA Commercial Dance, rep. Bloc NYC. @devrichey
Gabriel Tii Garyeazon
(Modern Classic – Solo)
My name is Gabriel Garyeazon, I’m 25 and currently based in Las Vegas, originally from Denver, Colorado. I moved to Vegas to pursue dance, and along the way I discovered Aufguss!
I’ve been a sauna master for about a year and a half (still a proud “baby meister”) at Lapis Spa in the Fontaine Bleau. The more I learn about Aufguss and sauna culture, the more I feel like I’ve found where I truly belong.
For me, this is where art and wellness come together. I’m passionate about creating experiences that not only move people, but leave a lasting impact on anyone who steps into the cabin.
My name is Gabriel Garyeazon, I’m 25 and currently based in Las Vegas, originally from Denver, Colorado. I moved to Vegas to pursue dance, and along the way I discovered Aufguss!
I’ve been a sauna master for about a year and a half (still a proud “baby meister”) at Lapis Spa in the Fontaine Bleau. The more I learn about Aufguss and sauna culture, the more I feel like I’ve found where I truly belong.
For me, this is where art and wellness come together. I’m passionate about creating experiences that not only move people, but leave a lasting impact on anyone who steps into the cabin.
Grace Edmunds
(Modern Classic – Solo)
Meet Grace Edmunds, Vermont-based certified Sauna Master (UK), Saunotus practitioner trained in Finland, and founder of Northern Kin Sauna Co., Kin Ritual, and the Vermont Sauna Fest.
With more than 13 years of experience guiding mindfulness and embodiment practices, Grace weaves intention, presence, and connection to the elements into her Aufguss experiences, inviting participants to reconnect with their true nature through the nature that surrounds them.
Grace has experienced so much joy through being a part of the growing Aufguss community in the US and is excited to join the Aufguss USA Modern Classic competition!
Meet Grace Edmunds, Vermont-based certified Sauna Master (UK), Saunotus practitioner trained in Finland, and founder of Northern Kin Sauna Co., Kin Ritual, and the Vermont Sauna Fest.
With more than 13 years of experience guiding mindfulness and embodiment practices, Grace weaves intention, presence, and connection to the elements into her Aufguss experiences, inviting participants to reconnect with their true nature through the nature that surrounds them.
Grace has experienced so much joy through being a part of the growing Aufguss community in the US and is excited to join the Aufguss USA Modern Classic competition!
Haneef
(Modern Classic – Solo, Show Aufguss – Solo & Team)
Before becoming a sauna master, I had known about the aufguss world for roughly a year but it wasn’t until I sat in my first session that everything clicked. From the moment the essential oils filled the air to the tingle of heat brushing over my skin, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of.
Now as a sauna master, I’m stepping forward to put everything I’ve learned to the test in this competition.
Before becoming a sauna master, I had known about the aufguss world for roughly a year but it wasn’t until I sat in my first session that everything clicked. From the moment the essential oils filled the air to the tingle of heat brushing over my skin, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of.
Now as a sauna master, I’m stepping forward to put everything I’ve learned to the test in this competition.
Julia Robbins
(Show: Teams)
Julia Pearl Robbins is a multidisciplinary artist and ceremonialist based in New York and Los Angeles. In 2025, she began sharing curated-set aufgüsse at Bathhouse New York including ‘Dedicated to Jax,’ ‘Immersion and Emersion,’ and ‘The Connective Field.’ Her work is informed by synesthesia as well as bright experiences (and teachings) of the somatic arena. Original soundscapes are shared by her partner Ambalema.
Julia Pearl Robbins is a multidisciplinary artist and ceremonialist based in New York and Los Angeles. In 2025, she began sharing curated-set aufgüsse at Bathhouse New York including ‘Dedicated to Jax,’ ‘Immersion and Emersion,’ and ‘The Connective Field.’ Her work is informed by synesthesia as well as bright experiences (and teachings) of the somatic arena. Original soundscapes are shared by her partner Ambalema.
Kasai
(Show – Team with Julia)
Kasai's main motivation for aufguss is to be able to deliver an exhilarating experience with convection and essential oils to the cathartic release of cold plunge practice at the end of the ceremony. It’s such an excellent way to connect with not only yourself but also fellow sauna-goers. Kasai is sure that the first time you watch an aufguss or a theatrical aufguss you get the impression of a carefully and meticulously planned ceremony, combining the arts of theatre and self care and expression all layered into one sacred practice.
Kasai's main motivation for aufguss is to be able to deliver an exhilarating experience with convection and essential oils to the cathartic release of cold plunge practice at the end of the ceremony. It’s such an excellent way to connect with not only yourself but also fellow sauna-goers. Kasai is sure that the first time you watch an aufguss or a theatrical aufguss you get the impression of a carefully and meticulously planned ceremony, combining the arts of theatre and self care and expression all layered into one sacred practice.
Maggy van den Heuvel
(Show: Teams)
Maggy is a sauna master at Bathhouse, where she has worked since June 2025. Alongside her work, she is a professional dancer with a strong sense of body awareness, discipline, and artistry. She is currently preparing for her first competition.
Maggy is a sauna master at Bathhouse, where she has worked since June 2025. Alongside her work, she is a professional dancer with a strong sense of body awareness, discipline, and artistry. She is currently preparing for her first competition.
Mamiko
(Show: Teams)
Mamiko is a professional dancer, performer, and sauna master originally from Sendai, Japan, now based in New York City. She has been part of the Bathhouse team for nearly two years — and this year, she's competing for the first time.
Mamiko is a professional dancer, performer, and sauna master originally from Sendai, Japan, now based in New York City. She has been part of the Bathhouse team for nearly two years — and this year, she's competing for the first time.
Monalisa Gharavi
(Show – Teams)
Monalisa is a Sauna Master and Aufguss performer at Bathhouse in New York City, where she brings a deep commitment to energetic integrity in the sauna ceremony. An artist, poet, and technologist, she also writes a Substack called Exhaust.
Image Credit: Hayden Treece
Monalisa is a Sauna Master and Aufguss performer at Bathhouse in New York City, where she brings a deep commitment to energetic integrity in the sauna ceremony. An artist, poet, and technologist, she also writes a Substack called Exhaust.
Image Credit: Hayden Treece
Muhammad Christopher Hodge
(Show – Team)
Muhammad Christopher Hodge was born and raised in Miami Florida and both of his parents are from Jamaica. Since he was a kid, Muhammad has been into body movement and performing arts. He began his Aufguss journey in April 2025 at Bathhouse Williamsburg, where he currently practices, and hasn't put the towel down ever since!
Muhammad Christopher Hodge was born and raised in Miami Florida and both of his parents are from Jamaica. Since he was a kid, Muhammad has been into body movement and performing arts. He began his Aufguss journey in April 2025 at Bathhouse Williamsburg, where he currently practices, and hasn't put the towel down ever since!
Nico Fiery
(Show – Team)
Nicolas Fiery is a New York based performing artist. Currently working at the MET Opera, Nicolas joined Bathhouse three years ago when they began their regular Aufguss schedule. He was the first French Saunamaster to practice Aufguss internationally.
Nicolas Fiery is a New York based performing artist. Currently working at the MET Opera, Nicolas joined Bathhouse three years ago when they began their regular Aufguss schedule. He was the first French Saunamaster to practice Aufguss internationally.
Sarah Spoto
(Show – Solo & Team)
Sarah is Connecticut’s first Sauna Aufguss Master. Sarah also hosts a podcast called Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing & Sauna Culture where she dives deep into the global bathing world.
The sauna community is still very nascent in Connecticut, so I launched my Aufguss career by hosting rituals in my pop-up backyard sauna. That quickly evolved to me becoming a regular visiting Aufguss Master, hosting rituals at Hideout in Stamford and DRYYP in New Haven. I love my small but growing CT sauna community!
Sauna practice is powerful. But communal sauna practice unlocks something very special. I was first exposed to Aufguss when I lived in Switzerland. I was new to sauna, but Aufguss provided a fun way into the practice. When I returned home to the States, it became my mission to bring a piece of the European communal bathing culture back with me. And I feel like I'm doing just that with my Aufguss rituals.
My teammate is Alycia Wong. I've never actually told her this directly, but Alycia is absolutely an Aufguss role model for me. It's thanks to her that I ended up getting trained in the UK and was able to bring Aufguss to my community in Connecticut. She's an incredibly talented practitioner and it's such an honor to be partnering with her. And our performance theme... well, get ready! It's so fun and we're both so passionate (and nerdy!) about what we're preparing for you all. Want more of a hint? Expect a little bit of hockey, plenty of romance, and lots of heat.
Sarah is Connecticut’s first Sauna Aufguss Master. Sarah also hosts a podcast called Badii Talk: Thermal Bathing & Sauna Culture where she dives deep into the global bathing world.
The sauna community is still very nascent in Connecticut, so I launched my Aufguss career by hosting rituals in my pop-up backyard sauna. That quickly evolved to me becoming a regular visiting Aufguss Master, hosting rituals at Hideout in Stamford and DRYYP in New Haven. I love my small but growing CT sauna community!
Sauna practice is powerful. But communal sauna practice unlocks something very special. I was first exposed to Aufguss when I lived in Switzerland. I was new to sauna, but Aufguss provided a fun way into the practice. When I returned home to the States, it became my mission to bring a piece of the European communal bathing culture back with me. And I feel like I'm doing just that with my Aufguss rituals.
My teammate is Alycia Wong. I've never actually told her this directly, but Alycia is absolutely an Aufguss role model for me. It's thanks to her that I ended up getting trained in the UK and was able to bring Aufguss to my community in Connecticut. She's an incredibly talented practitioner and it's such an honor to be partnering with her. And our performance theme... well, get ready! It's so fun and we're both so passionate (and nerdy!) about what we're preparing for you all. Want more of a hint? Expect a little bit of hockey, plenty of romance, and lots of heat.
TJ Lupo
(Show – Solo & Modern Classic – Solo)
TJ Lupo represents Flowhaus and JCEvexia, bringing a focused, performance-driven approach to Aufguss in the U.S. Blending heat management, rhythm, and atmosphere, his work reflects the next wave of American sauna practitioners shaping the craft.
He placed 3rd in the 2025 U.S. Solo Qualifiers, earning recognition as one of the country’s top emerging competitors.
TJ Lupo represents Flowhaus and JCEvexia, bringing a focused, performance-driven approach to Aufguss in the U.S. Blending heat management, rhythm, and atmosphere, his work reflects the next wave of American sauna practitioners shaping the craft.
He placed 3rd in the 2025 U.S. Solo Qualifiers, earning recognition as one of the country’s top emerging competitors.
Tovi Wayne
(Show: Solo & Team)
Becoming a Sauna Master has been one of the more impactful experiences of my life. I really admire what it can do for us as a collective. Positivity and good vibrations are always present during these ceremonies and that what always keeps me coming back. There is something so simple and human about the Aufguss ceremony. It has ignited something inside me that has been asleep for some time. I look forward to sharing all that I have learned so far with you. At the end of the day, to me, the Aufguss is about having fun! Representing Bathhouse NYC!
My solo this year is inspired by my love for music that is theatrical and raw. I will take you through a story that you will find relatable and positive, all while making sure the aromas, heat, and passion I hold is amplified. Aufguss WM 2026!! Lets gooooo!
Becoming a Sauna Master has been one of the more impactful experiences of my life. I really admire what it can do for us as a collective. Positivity and good vibrations are always present during these ceremonies and that what always keeps me coming back. There is something so simple and human about the Aufguss ceremony. It has ignited something inside me that has been asleep for some time. I look forward to sharing all that I have learned so far with you. At the end of the day, to me, the Aufguss is about having fun! Representing Bathhouse NYC!
My solo this year is inspired by my love for music that is theatrical and raw. I will take you through a story that you will find relatable and positive, all while making sure the aromas, heat, and passion I hold is amplified. Aufguss WM 2026!! Lets gooooo!
Travis Talamadge
(Show: Solo & Modern Classic)
Applications for Aufguss USA Nationals 2026 are CLOSED!
Aufguss WM Resources
All sauna masters applying to compete in the 2026 Aufguss USA National competition will need to watch these videos from Aufguss WM explaining what the jury is looking for when evaluating your performance.
World Masters
Catalog 2026
Modern Classic
Catalog 2026
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