Forget Fighting For A Sun Lounger — These Sauna Masters Are Fighting For The World Stage
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
The Aufguss USA Nationals have wrapped in New York City after three days of heat, theatre, scent, towel work and competitive nerve, proving that sauna culture in the United States is no longer simply a matter of sitting quietly and pretending your eyebrows are not melting.
Held across two Bathhouse locations, the 2026 event brought together leading Sauna Masters from across the United States for Show Aufguss and the inaugural Modern Classic Cup, judged by an international panel from Aufguss WM.
The Show Aufguss competition took place on May 19–20 at Bathhouse Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn, before the Modern Classic Cup moved the action to Bathhouse Flatiron in Manhattan on May 21. Between them, the two contests offered a rather convincing reminder that the modern sauna has evolved into something far more theatrical than a hot wooden room and a brave face.
New York Turns Up The Heat For Competitive Sauna
Aufguss, at its best, is part wellness ritual, part performance art and part endurance test for anyone who has ever mistaken “relaxing heat” for “gentle warmth”. The 2026 Aufguss USA Nationals leaned fully into that world, blending aroma, music, atmosphere, choreography, storytelling and the sort of towel technique that makes an ordinary gym sauna look like a damp cupboard with ambition.
The event also reflected the continued rise of communal sauna culture in the United States. Competitor applications doubled year-on-year, while expanded qualification opportunities were granted to the U.S. by Aufguss WM — a notable sign that American Sauna Masters are no longer merely studying the European tradition from afar. They are stepping into the room, closing the door, and making a fair bit of steam themselves.
“This year’s competition showed just how quickly the level of Aufguss in the United States is evolving,” said Don Genders, Chair of Aufguss USA and CEO of organising sponsor Design for Leisure. “The creativity, professionalism, technical skill, and emotional connection we witnessed this week was extraordinary. We’re incredibly proud of every Sauna Master who stepped into the sauna.”
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