The 21st Air Guitar World Championships are celebrated in Oulu, Northern Finland from Wednesday till Friday.
The battle for the Airiest title in the world starts with Dark Horses’ Qualification Round on Thursday. Altogether twenty-four talented Air Guitarists from twelve countries come together in Oulu to celebrate the invisible instrument and compete for the last spots at the World Final.
Among the Dark Horses is the oldest contestant of the Air Guitar World Championships’ history, Mr. Bob from Canada. He is turning 73 on 25 August - the very same night of the Dark Horses’ round. His message to the world is that, sometimes, life begins at 70.
Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round
Thu 25 Aug 10 p.m. / 45 Special (Saaristonkatu 12, Oulu) / Age limit 18 yrs / Free entry (service fee 2,50€) / After Sweat: Aireoke
Final full of Air and entertainment
The celebration culminates in the World Final on Friday. The finalists have been chosen at the National Championships earlier this year. The National Champions and the best Dark Horses challenge the reigning World Champion Kereel ”Your Daddy” Blumenkrants from Russia at the stage.
In addition to the fierce competition, the World Final spectacle offers all sorts of performing arts, such as Tinze Twerkers, a dance group that shakes the stage. The evening is kicked off with Air Guitar Peace Declaration. The Final is hosted by the esteemed Master of Airemonies, Dan ’Björn Türoque’ Crane (US).
The Final is streamed live online to the international audience: www.livestream.com
Air Guitar World Final
Fri 26 August 8 p.m. / Rotuaari Square, Oulu, Finland / No age limit / Free entry
Best videos with and without guitar
Oulu Music Video Festival, held in Oulu 24–28 August, added extra amount of airness for all the friends of air guitar - Carte Blanche of World Champions. The 2013 World Champion Eric ”Mean Melin” Melin (USA) and the 2015 World Champion Kereel ”Your Daddy” Blumenkrants (Russia) have chosen some of their favourite videos for the screening. Good times and entertaining clips are guaranteed.
Air Guitar Carte Blanche
Thu 25 August 4 p.m. / Valvesali, Cultural Centre Valve, Hallituskatu 7 / Tickets: 4 € from Valve Box Office
Air Guitar World Championships are held in Oulu, Northern Finland on 24-26 August. In addition to the airy battle, the festival includes the warm-up day Airientation on Wednesday 24 August. Air Guitar World Championships are part of Oulu August Festival,