Zachary Knowles Wins Air Guitar Championship

The 2024 Air Guitar World Championships took place in Oulu, Finland, where Canada’s Zachary 'Ichabod Fame' Knowles was crowned champion after a spirited performance of Nickelback's 'Photograph'. This year's competition featured renowned competitors including Japan's Nanami 'Seven Seas' Nagura and France's Kirill 'Guitarantula' Blumenkrants, who secured second and third places respectively. Contestants performed two songs in 60-second rounds, judged on originality, stage presence, and technical merit among other criteria. The event, which promotes inclusivity and fun, also celebrated audience favorite Mathilde 'Clitoriff' Dollat from France, who captivated the crowd despite adverse weather. Since its inception in 1996, the championship has become a unique cultural phenomenon, highlighting the joy of performance without the need for real instruments. The event is part of a larger festival in Oulu that showcases music, art, and literature.