2026 Aufguss Championships will take place at Galgorm Resort, Northern Ireland.
The British Sauna Society is delighted to announce the return of the UK Aufguss Championships to the award-winning Galgorm Resort from 20th–22nd April 2026. This marks the second time the prestigious event will be hosted at Galgorm, following the success of its debut there in 2024.
The Thermal Spa Village at Galgorm Resort. Credit: Galgorm Resort
“We are delighted to welcome the UK Aufguss Championships back to Galgorm in 2026 and to once again host the British Sauna Society within our Thermal Spa Village. Sauna has always been at the heart of our wellbeing offering, and Aufguss plays an important role in how we deliver immersive, authentic thermal experiences for our guests. Following the success of the championships here in 2024, it’s a privilege to provide a setting where world-class sauna mastery, tradition and innovation can be experienced at this level.”
The Celtic Sauna, where the competition will take place. Credit: Galgorm Resort
For 2026, the championship format expands in an exciting new direction. The event will feature two distinct categories: Performance Aufguss, and Modern Classic Aufguss.
“The introduction of the Modern Classic category alongside Performance Aufguss represents a huge step forward for Aufguss in the UK. It allows us to honour tradition while celebrating innovation, giving sauna masters at all levels the opportunity to grow, refine their craft, and compete on the world stage. We are thrilled to return to Galgorm, a resort that truly understands and supports authentic sauna culture.”
This dual-category structure reflects the rapid growth of the Aufguss discipline nationally and internationally, while opening the door for new and emerging Sauna Masters to showcase a broader range of creative and traditional techniques.
In the Performance Aufguss, both Singles and Teams will deliver immersive, theatrical Aufguss performances featuring choreography, music, and advanced heat and aroma crafting. Winners will go on to represent the United Kingdom at the Aufguss World Championships Finals at Satama Sauna Resort, Germany, in September 2026. Runners-up will qualify for the Play-Offs at Thermen Bussloo in the Netherlands in August 2026, providing another shot at getting to the finals.
The newly introduced Modern Classic category celebrates the roots of Aufguss with a focus on traditional technique, ritual structure, and refined heat distribution. This will be the first time a Modern Classic Aufguss category has run in the UK. The winner will qualify for the World Finals in Farris Bad, Norway, later in 2026.
An international jury of certified Aufguss experts will adjudicate both competitions, ensuring the highest level of fairness, professionalism, and alignment with global standards. The combined format is expected to bring a new energy to the event, offering diverse experiences for guests and a richer platform for established Sauna Masters and rising talents.
Zak Moore performs his winning Aufguss at the 2025 UK Aufguss Championships. Credit: Lucy Leo for the BSS
“The UK Aufguss Championships are always an incredible experience, and Galgorm is a fantastic setting for such a high-energy and creative competition. It’s a really fun event to be part of, with an amazing atmosphere, and as reigning UK champion, I’m really looking forward to returning, defending the title and seeing what the next wave of sauna masters brings to the competition.”
