The ancient European sauna ritual of aufguss is continuing to make waves in the US, as the country prepares to host its first-ever national sauna competition this summer.

Aufguss, which originated in Europe, transforms a traditional sauna session into a multisensory performance, where masters use heat, scent, music and storytelling to create an immersive wellness experience. The US competition will introduce American audiences to the art form while giving local sauna masters the chance to showcase their skills on a global stage.

Taking place at Bathhouse in Williamsburg, NYC, from 23-24 June, 2025, the event will determine which American sauna masters will earn a spot at the Aufguss WM World Championships in September 2025.

“The beauty of aufguss is that sauna goers who might typically step out after five minutes remain captivated on their benches for the duration of the 10- to 14-minute performance,” said Lasse Eriksen, VP of the Aufguss WM competition and jury member.

“That magic moment is when the heat, the smells and the story collide to give the audience an incredible experience.”

Competitors will be judged on steam and temperature control, towel-waving techniques and audience engagement through storytelling. Winners will advance to the Aufguss WM World Championships in Verona, Italy, and represent Team USA against top sauna masters from around the world.

Performances will be judged by an international jury based on the Aufguss WM 2025 evaluation catalogue.

Sauna masters can apply to the US event by submitting a video showcasing their skills on the event’s official website by 11 April. Solo and team categories are both available.

“National Aufguss WM events will be held in 18 countries in 2025, including newcomers Canada and the USA, which join Japan as being among the first non-European countries to participate,” added Eriksen.

Design for Leisure (DFL), the sauna design specialist behind the US’ first event sauna at Resorts World Awana Spa in Las Vegas, is partnering with Aufguss WM to bring this inaugural competition to life. Bathhouse Williamsburg will host the event in its 700sq ft sauna, specially outfitted with advanced audio and visual equipment to support the immersive performances.