Regulations

1. Qualification Rules for the Aufguss-WCF World Championships | The Battle of Gladiators

The following athletes qualify for the World Championships:
1.1. Athletes who won 1st place in the most recent edition of the Aufguss-WCF World Championships | The Battle of Gladiators in the women’s and men’s categories.
1.2. Athletes who won 1st place in the national qualifications in the women’s and men’s categories.
1.3. Three athletes selected in the Play-Off round in the women’s and men’s categories.

2. Qualification Rules for the Play-Off Round

The following athletes qualify for the Play-Off Round:
2.1. Athletes who won 2nd place in the national qualifications in the women’s and men’s categories.
2.2. Athletes from countries where no national qualifications took place, selected on the basis of submitted video materials and jury evaluation, and granted a wild card.
2.3. Athletes who took 3rd place in the national qualifications and received a wild card from the Organizer.
2.4. The Organizer may grant a wild card at their own discretion.

3. Draw for Start Times

3.1. The draw for start times will take place no later than 7 days after the last national qualification round.
3.2. The draw will be conducted by the Organizer.
3.3. The results of the draw will be made publicly available.

PROFESSIONALISM REGULATIONS

Introduction
  • Participants will be identified by name and country/spa only.
  • Discussions or mentions of safety protocols and oils are excluded from judging and commentary.
Clothing
  • Competitors should wear attire inspired by gladiator or Roman styles.
  • No points will be awarded for costumes or outfit design.
Contact with Guests
  • Maintaining a strong connection and positive interaction with guests is required throughout the performance.
Hygiene
  • Saunamasters must use a sweat towel between rounds to maintain cleanliness.
Heat Management
  • Proper and respectful use of water and ice is mandatory, especially in relation to the stove.
Towel Handling
  • Towels must be placed and exchanged cleanly and orderly during the performance.

Waving Techniques

Round 1 & Round 2
  • During the first round, each saunamaster remains on the side of the cabin from which they poured water.
  • In the second round, competitors switch sides for pouring water and continue waving on the new side.
  • Waving style should be composed of approximately:
    • 30% modern/classic waving (heat distribution movements aimed at guests)
    • 70% show waving (creative moves such as one-hand waving, towel throw and catch, fast and slow sequences, two towels, opening/closing a large towel, etc.)
  • Waving must be synchronized with the music rhythm.
  • Transitions between moves must be smooth.
  • Clean waving execution and especially clean towel catches are mandatory.
Round 3 (Freestyle Round)
  • After pouring, both saunamasters are allowed to move and wave freely throughout the entire sauna cabin — the Battle round!
  • Competitors are expected to use:
    • General show techniques
    • Special techniques such as complex combinations, acrobatics, and two-towel maneuvers
  • Smooth transitions and clean catches remain essential.
Special Battle Rule: “Execution”
  • If a competitor throws their towel over their opponent and catches it on the other side, extra points are awarded.
  • If the opponent steals the towel during this maneuver, they receive extra points — but only one attempt to steal is allowed per throw.
  • Stealing the towel outside this rule results in a deduction.
Bonus Round
  • If the jury declares a draw, after a short break a bonus round will be held.
  • The bonus round is judged using the same criteria as the third freestyle round.
Deductions
  • Dropping the towel up to 3 times during the performance is allowed without penalty; the 4th drop results in a professionalism deduction.
  • After each drop, the same towel must be used immediately.
  • No increase of heat between rounds is permitted.
  • Failure to show proper Aufguss elements, disrespect toward Aufguss equipment, or unsportsmanlike behavior will result in deductions.
  • Ice, water, or towels must never come into direct contact with guests.
  • Taking a towel from an opponent is forbidden except during the “Execution” move.
  • Entering the opponent’s side during the first two rounds is prohibited; only in the third round may competitors move freely and battle throughout the entire sauna.

Music

  • Round 1: One song played from one competitor’s submitted music.
  • Round 2: One song played from the other competitor’s submitted music.
  • The order and selection of songs remain unknown to competitors until played.
  • Round 3 and Bonus Round: Music is unknown to both competitors before the performance.