A twist of fate awaited me; the invitation didn’t lead to the qualifications but catapulted me directly into the Finals, just two weeks after the qualification announcement. As the event drew nearer, my Facebook feed brimmed with videos and photos from fellow aufgussmasters’ performances. I wondered if I had misunderstood the date or missed the event entirely. It was only later that they clarified that I was already in the Finals.

I was overwhelmed with gratitude, honor, and a touch of nervousness. Freestyle competition was uncharted territory for me. But I embraced the challenge with an open mind, recognizing it as an opportunity to learn and delve into this mesmerizing world of towel artistry.

The competition divided participants by gender, a logical choice considering the differences in style and technique. I engaged in intense battles with incredibly skilled aufgussmasters. The competition consisted of four rounds: the first two rounds involved each participant submitting four songs that matched their style. The twist? Your opponent had to improvise using your chosen song, and vice versa.

The third round was all about cooperation, requiring participants to choreograph with their battle partners. Finally, in the fourth and last round, both aufgussmasters left no towel unturned, showcasing every trick and special technique in their arsenal.

The result? A well-fought competition that earned me a proud place on the podium in third position. This experience was an invaluable learning opportunity, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next year’s freestyle competition. It’s safe to say, the world of aufguss has a lot more in store for me, and I can’t wait to explore it further!