“The Air Guitar World Championships have been organized in Oulu, Finland annually since 1996. The once so absurd an idea has bloomed into an international media event that attracts a wide international league of contestants, audience and media representatives to Oulu, Finland. Here is a brief overview of the past championships, contests, the contestants and the special ones among them who are selected to spread the Air Guitar ideology. Dive deep into the breath-taking history of the Air Guitar World Championships, and select a year below.” - AirGuitarWorldChampsionship.com
I thought to myself this was a harebrained idea myself until I actually attended a contest in my hometown of Orlando, Florida. People went nuts over the idea, which baffled me, but as I kept watching I entertained the idea more and came to think it was hilariously genius. This is an entirely new form of expression with rules, schools of thought, theory, and major competitions.
This video is of defending world champion Ochi “Dainoji” Yosuke of Japan who in 2007 gave this immaculate performance of punk band Offspring’s “Keep em Separated.” I had to show you this for sheer amusement but I thought the guy did an outstanding job of emulating many guitarists I know.
So enjoy this video and you can check out the new defending United States Champion.
