Tickets have just gone on sale for the 3rd UK Aufguss Championships which sees the country’s top sauna masters compete in a showcase of skill, performance, and heat. Taking place at Arc Canary Wharf on 18-19 May 2024, champions from the single and team categories will go on to represent the UK at the Aufguss WM Finals in Italy this September.
Situated in one of London’s most vibrant and dynamic districts, Arc is a brand new state-of-the-art wellness venue. With world-class facilities, including a modern 65-person Aufguss sauna, advanced sound and lighting systems, 8 Brass Monkey ice baths, and spacious performance areas, Arc is a purpose-built location for the next British Championships.
For those unfamiliar with show Aufguss, the concept takes a while to get your head around. Most people are familiar with a sauna experience - but imagine a 15 minute dramatic performance, with storylines, aromatic infusions, costumes and dramatic lighting. On the continent, the Aufguss WM World Championships have been played out over a decade, and saunas in the Netherlands and Germany can accommodate up to 200 bathers to enjoy the performances. It’s not just a European thing - Japan joined the Aufguss WM stage in 2022 where it enjoys a cult following.
This year’s competition is set to be the biggest yet, with an international jury of experts overseeing the event and evaluating participants based on technique, storytelling, and sensory immersion. Martijn Vanhoorelbeke (Belgium), Lay Pang Ong (Malaysia), Heonsok Kim (Japan) and Christina Boring (Denmark) will be judging participants across 7 categories: professionalism & overall impression; increase and distribution of heat; waving techniques; fragrances & usage/dosage; theme implementation and show elements; atmosphere and feeling; team spirit.
Tickets are priced at £75 which will not only allow access to 3 performances from both UK and World competitors and champions, but also into the state-of-the-art Arc lounge and wellness spaces. Early bird tickets are available for £60, if you purchase before the 31st March. Explore times for tickets and purchase yours at britishsaunasociety.org.uk/aufguss
The UK Aufguss Championships will precede the highly anticipated British Sauna Summit, which takes place on 20 May. The two events will merge on the evening of the 20th for the grand announcement of the Aufguss UK winners, creating an exciting celebration of the ever-growing UK sauna community. Last year’s programme saw some of the biggest names coming together to talk about the unstoppable rise of the UK sauna industry: Susanna Soeberg, Rob da Bank, Mikkel Aaland, Glenn Auerbach.
Aufguss UK Founder Deborah Carr expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s event, stating: “We are thrilled to be hosting the third edition of the UK Aufguss Championships at ARC Canary Wharf. The passion and dedication of our competitors continue to push the boundaries of sauna culture in the UK, and it’s inspiring to see Aufguss gain momentum. We look forward to welcoming an international jury and celebrating this incredible art form with the wider sauna community.”
The UK Aufguss Championships continue to establish themselves as a premier event in the wellness and sauna industry, showcasing the artistry and theatricality of Aufguss. Sauna enthusiasts, industry professionals, and curious newcomers are invited to witness the excitement and experience the transformative power of this unique ritual.
https://www.britishsaunasociety.org.uk/uk-aufguss-championships-2025
