“Citius, Altius, Fortius”
Once a year, in early September, the best of the best drop everything, and like salmon, start their long migration towards a special place inside the artic circle, deep inside the mystical region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. Although these masters have sworn only use their powers to promote world peace, make no mistake, come September they are all ready and prepared for a bare nuckle match like you have never heard before.

Their destination is just barely on the map, and their mission to prove that they have what it takes to be called the best of the best of the best. Yes, its another world championship competition but this one is unlike any other. Last week the somewhat remote city of Oulu became the center of the universe as it hosted the 12^th Air Guitar World Championships (5-7.9.2007)

The Finns only managed 1 finalist in the top 20. With Hilkka “Gore Kitty” Suvanto only placing tied for 18^th the competition could have been considered a catastrophe from a Finnish point of view, was it not for the sheer brilliance of all the finalists performances. To place 18^th among that kind of competition is nothing to be ashamed of.

The world championship eventually went, for the second straight year to Japan. Ochi “Dainoji” Yosuke became only the second 2 time World champion in history. Guillaume “Moche Pitt” de Tonquédec of France finished a close 2^nd and the crowd favourite, Max “Herr Jaquelin” Heller of Austria came 3^rd.

The intensity of the sport is perhaps best described by former 2 time champion, Zac Monro’es famous quote:” It’s [playing air guitar in front of the audience and judges] like diving in to a swimming pool full of sharks, with pork chops tied under your armpits”.

Despite the countless hours spent by each contestant, preparing their performance, with only the goal of destroying the opposition, once the judges decision was in, and the winner was announced, all the masters gathered on stage together, and rocked on more time together as has been the tradition, for world peace.
Is there a nobler sport on the planet?

The crowned King of Air Guitar Ochi “Dainoji” Yosuke