From Invitation to Podium

A Leap into Freestyle: My Journey at the Therme Kristal Championships

The Freestyle Championships at Therme Kristal in Kochel am See (Germany) marked a thrilling milestone in my aufguss journey. Until then, I had never ventured into the world of freestyle aufguss, but everything changed with a single invitation from Daniel. Little did I know, that invitation would launch me into my very first freestyle competition – and what a competition it turned out to be.

A Surprising Twist

Here’s the kicker: I didn’t go through the qualifications. Instead, I was catapulted straight into the Finals, just two weeks after the qualification round was announced. I remember scrolling through Facebook, watching videos and photos of fellow aufgussmasters showcasing their incredible performances. For a moment, panic set in – did I misunderstand the date? Had I missed the event entirely?

It was only later that they clarified the twist: I was already in the Finals. It felt surreal. A wave of gratitude, honor, and – I won’t lie – a touch of nervousness washed over me. I was diving headfirst into the freestyle aufguss scene without any prior experience. But I was ready to embrace the challenge, excited to learn and explore this captivating world of towel artistry.

Battles of Style and Skill

The competition was structured by gender, a smart decision considering the unique styles and techniques that different performers bring to the stage. Each battle was a thrilling display of skill, with four intense rounds that tested our creativity and adaptability.

• Round 1 & 2: We each submitted four songs reflecting our personal style. The twist? Our opponents had to improvise using our song choices, and we had to do the same with theirs. It was a real test of spontaneity and mastery.
• Round 3: This round focused on collaboration, challenging us to choreograph with our battle partners. It was incredible to see how different styles could blend into one harmonious performance.
• Round 4: The grand finale. Here, both aufgussmasters pulled out all the stops, showcasing every trick and special technique in their arsenal. Towels spun through the air like magic, synchronized with the beats of the music.

A Well-Fought Victory and New Beginnings

After an intense series of battles, I found myself on the podium, proudly taking third place. I couldn’t believe it – my debut in the world of freestyle aufguss had earned me a spot among some of the most talented sauna masters in the industry.

This experience wasn’t just about winning; it was about growth, learning, and pushing the boundaries of my craft. It opened my eyes to new possibilities within the world of aufgusstraining and inspired me to keep evolving as an artist.

Looking back, I realize how pivotal this journey was in my aufguss career. It’s safe to say that the world of freestyle aufguss has a lot more in store for me, and I’m eagerly anticipating next year’s competition. One thing’s for sure – this is just the beginning.