The competition begins with the sauna heated to a temperature of 230 fahrenheit ( 110 celsius )! Then,every 30 seconds , half a liter of water is thrown on to the sauna stove , which actually increases the heat . The last person to leave the sauna is the world sauna champion . Many contestants experience first degree burns from the intense heat . After this experience, some contestants may no longer even be interested in winning the competition prize a sauna heater!