In late June, amidst a heat wave, a unique event unfolded in Brooklyn, attracting 1,200 sauna enthusiasts to the Bathhouse for the first-ever US aufguss championship. This competitive show, deeply rooted in a European tradition, combines steam and storytelling in a guided sauna experience known as “show aufguss.” As participants donned distinctive bucket hats and queued for the 80-seater event sauna, they anticipated a display of creativity and artistry from ten top sauna masters, who engaged in dynamic routines involving spinning towels and aromatic iceballs. The atmosphere was electric as masters narrated stories through their performances, showcasing their skills while vying for the title of the first US aufguss champion.
Each aufguss routine, lasting 13 to 15 minutes, transformed the sauna into a stage with lights, music, and props. Participants showcased themes ranging from hip hop’s evolution to personal narratives about loss, encapsulating various emotions. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and excitement, with competitors facing the dual challenge of performing and maintaining an intense sauna experience. The stakes were high; those who excelled could advance to the world championships in Italy. Competitor Thor Moeller expressed both nervousness and dedication, aware of the potential mishaps they faced, from missteps in choreography to physical accidents.
The essence of aufguss lies in its communal nature. As Lasse Eriksen, a judge and vice president of Aufguss WM, pointed out, the ritual encourages connection among participants as they experience the heat and steam together. Unlike traditional solitary sauna experiences, aufguss incorporates guided elements that enhance the sensory experience. The temperatures remain around 185 degrees Fahrenheit, but the atmosphere is enriched by the carefully orchestrated distribution of heat and the strategic wafting of steam, enhancing the perceived intensity.
Competitive show aufguss amps this experience up significantly. It invites a deeper level of artistry and professionalism, focusing on five key judging criteria: personal presentation, heat distribution, towel technique, fragrance, and storytelling. Sauna masters must harmoniously blend these elements to create their ideal sauna experience, akin to a high-stakes performance. The challenge is not merely to maintain heat but to craft an immersive experience that connects with the audience on multiple levels. As Eriksen articulated, achieving a flawless performance is nearly impossible, making each routine a unique blend of risk and artistry.
Despite its European roots, aufguss has recently gained traction in the US, driven by a growing interest in social wellness. With numerous bathhouses entering the scene, New York has become a burgeoning center for this sauna culture. At Bathhouse, cofounder Travis Talmadge illuminated the path to becoming a sauna master, suggesting that while there is no formal credentialing, aspiring masters undergo rigorous training. Many find mentors and develop their techniques through practice and experimentation, setting the stage for a new generation of sauna masters.
As the competition intensified, the audience’s enthusiasm grew. Each performance drew a diverse crowd, blending long-time sauna enthusiasts with newcomers curious about the experience. The performers, such as Alonzo Solarzano, demonstrated incredible talent, captivating onlookers with well-thought-out narratives and impressive towel techniques. The atmosphere shifted from skepticism to amazement as audience members began to appreciate the spectacle and artistry of the aufguss performances. Ultimately, Solarzano emerged victorious, highlighting not just individual achievement but the broader movement surrounding contemporary sauna culture, as participants embraced creative expression amidst rising temperatures and emotional narratives.
