Air Guitar World Championships 2014

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The participants of the Airientation assembled to the Pakkahuoneenkatu and waited for the tour to start. Airientationin osallistujat kokoontuivat Pakkahuoneenkadulle odottelemaan kiertoajelun alkamista. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
The winner of the 2012 Air Guitar World Championships Justin "Nordic Thunder" Howard acted as the tour guide for the Airientation. Kiertoajelun vetäjänä toimi vuoden 2012 World Air Guitar Championship Justin "Nordic Thunder" Howard. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Many participants from many different countries had gathered to the tour. Paikalle oli kertynyt paljon osaanottajia useista eri maista. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
The participants of the tour boarded on to a traditional Oulu trainbus called Potnapekka. Kiertoajelun osanottajat hyppäsivät oululaisen junabussin Potnapekan kyytiin. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Potnapekka even has its own bus sign on the curbs. Oulun murteessa sana potnapekka tarkoittaa koskikorentoa, ja siksi Potnapekan pysähtymispaikat on merkitty katujen varsille omalla pysäkkimerkillään, jossa on keltaisella pohjalla musta koskikorennon kuva. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Even though if it was a bit cramped inside the trainbus, the atmosphere was high. Potnapekassa tunnelma oli katossa lievästä tilanpuutteesta huolimatta. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
In the tour of Airientation, you could see Oulu comfortably sitting on a bench and with excellent company. Airientationin kiertoajelulla Oulua sai katsella mukavasti junabussin penkillä istuen hyvässä seurassa. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Potnapekka drove from the center of the Oulu trough Ainola's park by the Intiö's cemetery to the water tower. Nordic Thunder enriched the tour with a mix of facts and silly stories. Potnapekka ajoi Oulun keskustasta Ainolanpuiston läpi Intiön hautausmaan ohi vesitornille. Matkaa rikastutti Nordic Thunderin hauskat välispiikit, joissa faktat sekoittuivat keksittyihin hupsutuksiin. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
The participants of the Airientation got a special access to climb on top of the Intiö water tower. Airientationin osallistujat saivat erikoispääsyn kiivetä Intiön vesitornin huipulle. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
The brave participants couldn't wait to climb up high. Uskaliaat osallistujat odottivat malttamattomina lupaa kiivetä korkeuksiin. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
There was a spiral staircase and some beautiful old woodwork inside the water tower. Vesitornin sisältä paljastui huimat kierreportaat sekä kaunista vanhaa puurakennetta. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
It was raining on top of the water tower but Oulu still looked lovely in the rainy weather. Osallistujien harmiksi huipulla satoi vettä, mutta sateinen Oulu näytti kauniilta korkealta. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
You could see the whole center of the Oulu from the top. Vesitornin huipulta pystyi näkemään koko Oulun keskustan alueen. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Most were quite satisfied with peeking the view from doorpost safe from the rain and wind. Useimmat tyytyivät kurkistelemaan maisemia ovenraosta suojassa sateelta ja tuulelta. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
It was easier to go down than to climb up. Alas kapuaminen sujui helpommin kuin ylöspäin meno. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
The tour continued again in the Potnapekka in good spirit. Kiertoajelu jatkui taas Potnapekassa hyvässä hengessä. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
The driver told that you must have a lot of patience to drive the Potnapekka since its route goes mostly trough sidewalks. Kuljettaja kertoi että Potnapekan ajamiseen vaaditaan lehmän hermot, sillä junabussin reitti kulkee hitaasti pitkin pyöräteitä. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
When the rain ceased the evening sun illuminated the wet pavements beautifully. Sateen loppuessa kaunis ilta-aurinko valaisi Oulun märät kadut ja siivilöityi vielä vihreitten lehtien läpi. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
The route continued by the Tuiras Kesän Sauna and beach on to Toppila. Reitti jatkui Tuiran Kesän Saunan ja uimarannan ohi kohti Toppilaa. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
A rainbow which matched to the peaceful message of the Air Guitar philosophy shone down to the participants. Ilmakitaran rauhanomaiseen sanomaan sopiva sateenkaari hehkui hienosti kiertoajelulaisille. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
The tour included most of Oulu and its sights. Kiertoajelu kattoi melkein koko Oulun keskustan alueen ja nähtävyydet. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Nordic Thunder told that Potnapekka drove by many famous Finnish fishermen on its way to the Sauna World. Nordic Thunderin mukaan Potnapekka ohitti useita Suomen kuuluisimpia kalastajia matkalla kohti Saunamaailmaa.(Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Even though it was both raining and shining during the evening, the atmoshpere stayed high the whole tour. Vaikka illan aikana sekä satoi että paistoi, tunnelma pysyi korkealla koko reissun ajan. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
The participants looked respectfully to the new silo houses while the Nordic Thunder told that it took a whole three days to blow up the old silo down. Osanottajat katselivat uusia siiloasuintaloja kunniottavasti Nordic Thunderin kertoessa, miten vanhojen siilojen räjäytys kesti kokonaiset kolme päivää. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Nordic Thunder posing in the steering wheel of the Potnapekka before setting free. Nordic Thunder poseerasi Potnapekan ratissa ennen vapaalle siirtymistä. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
When the evening became dim the Potnapekka got to its final destination, Sauna World. There the evening continued with sauna and grilling. Illan hämärtyessä Potnapekka pääsi päämääräänsä eli Saunamaailmaan. Siellä ilta jatkui saunomisella ja letkeällä meiningillä. (Airientation. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
At Thursday night bar 45 Special was full of people watching as last Air Guitar World Championships contestants were chosen at Black Horses’ Qualifying Round. Twenty contestants tried their luck to play their way to the World Final on Friday. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Jessica “Aerojess” Lange told that playing air guitar is a great exercise . The nights host Jani Kortti was impressed by her energetic show and called her a cyborg. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Tom "Sgt. Wrecker" Hill from Australia had a discreet and sophisticated style. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Doug “The Thunder” Stroock got the biggest shouts and applauses and got the evenings first full points. At last years Air Guitar World Championships The Thunder placed second so he knew how to impress the judges. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Shingo “Airguitaryman Shingoro” Harima rocked his air guitar with a classic businessman look. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Keisuke “Keisuke the Ninja” Nagatsuka charmed the audience and the judges with his exploding show and his ninja style. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Keisuke the Ninja got full points from four judges and placed first at Black Horses Qualifying Round. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Corentin “Airgus” Fermont showed that even zombies can have fun and play air guitar. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Rob “Windhammer” Weychert looked and played like a maniac. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Windhammers gaze was cold as ice. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Mitsuaki "Inogami Koushou" Inoue playing air guitar. The Japanese were well represented at the Black Horses’ Qualifying Round. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Valentina "Electric Butterfly" Urm from Russia had a fresh and colourful looks. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Mikael "Giant Junk" Vucovich trusted on classic rock show elements and broke his air guitar at the end of his show. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Del-Kun Dave "G. Tso Money" Chen went from country music to loud heavy metal in his air guitar show. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Marquina "Marteeka" Iliev surprised by rocking her air guitar to Pitbull and Keshas song Timber. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Marteekas flashy looks made sure she got all the attention she wanted. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
The last Black Horse was Guy “The Bandit” Thompson. The Bandit looked like a dangerous rock star and ended the Black Horses’ Qualification Round with style. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
While the judges were counting the points, Nordic Thunder, 2012 Air Guitar World Champion, played three songs and showed everyone how air guitar should be played. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
The Thunder, Moredrive and Airgus enjoying Nordic Thunders show. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Daniel "Moredrive" Oldemeier got the same points as Airguitaryman Shingoro so they had to battle at the air off. Moredrive gave his everything and played his way to the World Final. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
Finally, eight contestants were chosen to play at Air Guitar World Championships World Finals. The lucky Black Horses were Keisuke the Ninja, The Thunder, G. Tso Money, Windhammer, Marteeka, The Bandit, Airgus and Moredrive. (Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. Photo: Miikka Kansanniva)
The 19th edition of Air Guitar World Championships was opened by songwriter Jukka Takalo, the father of AGWC. (World Final. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Markus Vainionpää, Air Guitar World Champion 2000, warmed up the audience. (World Final. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
2012 World Champion Justin “Nordic Thunder” Howard (US) teached a few air guitar tricks for the audience. (World Final. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Three volunteers from the audience got to the stage. Their air guitar names were Siiri, Desiree and Sinikka. Finnish representative 2010, Aapo “Little Angus” Rautio also joined in. In the year 2010, he was just 10 years old and joined the contest through Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round. “One of the few times 10 years old has been in 45 Special” remembered he. 2010 he was sixth and has been hanging out at the backstage every year since. “I’ve been thinking I will participate one more time. Every year I think it will happen next year, but right now it feels like it REALLY will be next year.” (World Final. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
The audience cheered equally for every contestant. (World Final. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
The Rainbow Lockers (World Final Opening Ceremonies. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
2012 World Champion Justin “Nordic Thunder” Howard wearing a pig mask. “You can’t hold a gun while playing air guitar” was the theme of the night. (World Final. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
2011 World Champion Aline ”The Devil’s Niece” Westphal did some special appereances. (World Final. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
The evening was hosted by comedian and air guitar guru Dan ”Björn Türoque” Crane. (World Final. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Doug ”The Thunder” Stroock (US) entertained with his feisty and funny air guitaring. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Doug ”The Thunder” Stroock (US) entertained with his feisty and funny air guitaring. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Doug ”The Thunder” Stroock (US) entertained with his feisty and funny air guitaring. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Keisuke ”The Ninja” Nagatsuka (JP), Winner of Dark Horses’ Qualifying Round, drove the crowd wild. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Del-Kun Dave ”G. Tso Money” Chen's (TW) show started with country music but changed soon into loud heavy metal. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Del-Kun Dave ”G. Tso Money” Chen's (TW) show started with country music but changed soon into loud heavy metal. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Rob ”Windhammer” Weychert (US) stayed true to his heavy metal style. His eyes were ice cold and he didn’t say a word during the show. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Rob ”Windhammer” Weychert (US) stayed true to his heavy metal style. His eyes were ice cold and he didn’t say a word during the show. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Daniel ”Moredrive” Oldemeier (DE) was pretty in pink. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Marquina ”Marteeka” Iliev (US) was first time in Finland. “I’m so happy to be here. Finnish people are so friendly and supportive!” (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Marquina ”Marteeka” Iliev (US) was first time in Finland. “I’m so happy to be here. Finnish people are so friendly and supportive!” (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Guy ”The Bandit” Thompson (UK) was a real knight of rock. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Guy ”The Bandit” Thompson (UK) was a real knight of rock. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Guy ”The Bandit” Thompson (UK) was a real knight of rock. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Corentin ”Airgus” Fermont (BE) rocked with experience. He has participated Worl Final since 2009. “I decided my costume just two weeks ago. The mask is made by myself. Doing it is complicated but you have to just try again and again and again until you are happy with it.” (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Only 19 years old Nanami ”Seven Seas” Nagura (JP) thrilled the audience with her badass samurai style. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Only 19 years old Nanami ”Seven Seas” Nagura (JP) thrilled the audience with her badass samurai style. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Last year’s champion Eric ”Mean” Melin (US) defended his title with attitude. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Last year’s champion Eric ”Mean” Melin (US) defended his title with attitude. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Sabrina ”Lady Liberty” Schramm (DE) was brave enough to wear American starflag dress even though she comes from Germany. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Atanas ”Air Grinder” Tsvetkov (BG) pulled off an athletic show. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Atanas ”Air Grinder” Tsvetkov (BG) pulled off an athletic show. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Experienced air guitarist Charlotte ”Boy Named Sue” Clarke (UK) represented her country for the first time. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Experienced air guitarist Charlotte ”Boy Named Sue” Clarke (UK) represented her country for the first time. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Lee ”Brymtime” Brymer’s (CA) Eye of the Tiger -show was wild, crazy and sweet. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Lee ”Brymtime” Brymer’s (CA) Eye of the Tiger -show was wild, crazy and sweet. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Lee ”Brymtime” Brymer’s (CA) Eye of the Tiger -show was wild, crazy and sweet. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Matt ”Airistotle” Burns (US) won people’s hearts with his nerdy looks and furious air guitaring. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Michael ”The Destroyer” Heffels (NL) is 2005 World Champion. Lately he has been studying magic and you could see it in his performance. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Michael ”The Destroyer” Heffels (NL) is 2005 World Champion. Lately he has been studying magic and you could see it in his performance. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Michael ”The Destroyer” Heffels (NL) is 2005 World Champion. Lately he has been studying magic and you could see it in his performance. (World Final Round 1. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Rotuaari was filled by international fans of air guitar. (World Final. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
The audience was also enchanted with the sensual Finnish pop duo Ukkosmaine. (World Final. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Ten contestants who gathered the most points continued on to the second, compulsory round where every contestant played the same song. This year the compulsory round was performed on TNT Diet by Michael Monroe. (World Final. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Corentin ”Airgus” Fermont (BE) was happy with his performances. “It went exactly as planned and I did everything I wanted to do.” He has participated in the Air Guitar World Championships every year since the year 2009. “Every year the competition gets tougher and its harder and harder to make your way to the finals.” (World Final Compulsory Round. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Daniel ”Moredrive” Oldemeier's (DE) hips don't lie. (World Final Compulsory Round. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Daniel ”Moredrive” Oldemeier's (DE) hips don't lie. (World Final Compulsory Round. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Dynamic Sabrina ”Lady Liberty” Schramm (DE) told that her outfit was made by her best friend’s grandmother. (World Final Compulsory Round. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Dynamic Sabrina ”Lady Liberty” Schramm (DE) told that her outfit was made by her best friend’s grandmother. (World Final Compulsory Round. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Rob ”Windhammer” Weychert (US) showed off his intensity and dedication. (World Final Compulsory Round. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
This year’s Dutch Champion Michael ”The Destroyer” Heffels (NL) had to settle for the eight place in Air Guitar World Championships. (World Final Compulsory Round. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
This year’s Dutch Champion Michael ”The Destroyer” Heffels (NL) had to settle for the eight place in Air Guitar World Championships. (World Final Compulsory Round. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Keisuke ”The Ninja” Nagatsuka (JP) grabbed the fourth place. (World Final Compulsory Round. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)
Lee ”Brymtime” Brymer (CA) took off his tiger outfit and played himself in fifth place. (World Final Compulsory Round. Photo: Hanna Jurvelin)