A unique competition in the world - a competition in group contact banya ceremonies.
The competition was created for its uniqueness and the opportunity to compete in a traditional group "pareniye" - a mass ceremony where the sauna master warms up clients in the sauna with hot whisks, and if necessary, offers them a peeling and a drink.
The tradition of these ceremonies goes deep into the history of the East Slavic people and the Baltic people. In these countries, mass contact ceremonies are a tradition not only for maintaining health, but also a social cult. Relationships are maintained, new friendships are formed, and a stronger love for nature arises.
These are the reasons why we have prepared a competition that fulfills tradition and love for passing on shared energy.
We (the World Banya Association) founded the Banya Aufguss Cup competition to give banya masters and spectators the opportunity to compete in their favorite ceremonies - group banya ceremonies.
Now the question arises, what exactly is a banya ceremony...?
That is, ceremonies where, unlike herbal ceremonies, there is contact (touch) with whisks on a guest in the sauna. In such a case, strict rules of safety, sequence and, above all, hygiene apply. Whisks must be regularly shaken, heated near the ceiling and rinsed in water as often as possible. You can, and I personally recommend, include scenting the sauna with herbs. On the contrary, it is ideal to break away from essential oils and everything that is pre-prepared. Simply use only pure nature and ideally in its raw state. Broomsticks (brooms) dried and fresh herbs, spices, and such a banya ceremony can also be supplemented with a natural peeling and a hot or cold drink. In the case of banya, we can ideally talk about black tea, kvass (traditional Russian bread drink) or "banya lemonade" - i.e. mashed lemon, honey, salt and high-quality mineral water. And these are the main aspects of our competition - a mass ceremony for 40 people, where the banya master must warm everyone up, or even lightly "sweep" them with brooms, scent everything only with herbs, spices or infusions and, after finishing, give people a homemade natural peeling and his drink. It is actually a ceremony where it is not about the sauna master, but for the first time in all competitions, it is about the client and his feeling, experience and care for him. That is why the jury also includes spectators so that in addition to the professional eye of the jury, there is also an insight into the feelings of the viewer.
For 2026, this competition will hold qualifiers across Central and Southern Europe and Scandinavia. Anyone interested in a given country can apply. The qualifiers will be organised by the World Banya Association together with the association from the host country. Applications will be published on our social media and those of our partners. The top three places from the qualifiers will advance to the final championship, which will be held in September 2026 in Prague - Czech Republic.
The winner will receive a mobile sauna from Morzh.cz, clothing from Banyamaster.cz, and a swinging wing for the banya from Opaxalo.ru.
