Air Guitar World Championships
26.-29.8.2026 Oulu, Finland
Air Guitarists for Rent
Workshops, workouts, business seminars and even classrooms, -our amazing air guitarists offer fabulous shows that are both thought provoking and highly entertaining. They can be catered to any event, anywhere in the world and at any time.
Contact: pia@oulunjuhlaviikot.fi.
Freedom of expression and the surrender to music are an unbeatable combination. The joy of air guitar playing is not limited to official competition events or private gigs thrown at homes.
The world’s best air guitarists perform around the world and appear in the marketing of our official partners. Many of them have a background in acting, music, dance, public speaking through studies and work experience.
They have performed e.g. at the Kazakhstan World Expo, the dunes of Qatar, the Helsinki Travel Expo and several festivals and business events on many continents. The longest spell was a one-month standing gig in China.
The performances of our air guitarists are planned by taking into account i.a. the nature of the event, the venue and the audience. A captivating show, a participatory workshop during a day of recreation, a seminar speech on self-expression – you name it, and we’ll bring it!
Aapo Rautio
Aapo Rautio
Oulu, Finland
Aapo Rautio
Aapo Rautio
Oulu, Finland
Previously known as Little Angus, now performing as “The Angus” two-time World Champion Aapo Rautio has been a part of the World of Air Guitar since the age of 10. From gritty riffs to progressive solos, Aapo’s air guitaring style can be whatever it’s needed to be!
His first World Final performance was in 2010 and in 2025 and 2026 he won the championship battle. Aapo has performed to all kinds of audiences from dozens to thousands. Aapo has become nationally well-known in Finland due to his jaw dropping performance in Finland’s Got Talent TV program and he already has a very dedicated fan base!
Nordic Thunder
Justin Howard
Chicago, USA
Nordic Thunder
Justin Howard
Chicago, USA
A true air guitar legend, Justin “Nordic Thunder” Howard is a World Champion who has travelled Planet Earth performing his invisible axe for tens of thousands of people from the Arctic Circle to the dunes of Qatar. In 2021, he was chosen as the Champion of Champions among all the previous Air Guitar World Champions.
Opening for acts such as Andrew W.K. and Grand Funk Railroad, performing at festivals such as Lollapalooza and the Przystanek Woodstock, Mr. Thunder has also conducted workshops in children’s classrooms, participated in music therapy sessions, and has given numerous lectures around the world where he speaks passionately about using air guitar as a tool to cultivate world peace.
Mr. Thunder has also represented major brands globally, the biggest being Dr Pepper. He even makes an exceptional emcee and has hosted the Air Guitar World Championships Finals for several years.
Don’t be fooled by his barbaric looking appearance, Nordic Thunder is a giant teddy bear with a tender heart and is full of love!
Black Raven
Markus Vainionpää
Oulu, Finland
Black Raven
Markus Vainionpää
Oulu, Finland
Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää is the World Champion from 2000. Black Raven has been performing also abroad, including a month-long China tour!
Oulun Oma Poika
Eero Ojala
Helsinki, Finland
Oulun Oma Poika
Eero Ojala
Helsinki, Finland
Eero ”Oulu’s Own Son” Ojala is a five-time world finalist and a Finnish national champion from 2010. He started his career already in 2004 and since then he has ridden his enthusiastic air guitar in various places, such as Shanghai World Expo, Japanese and Swedish television and many marvellous events from tiny birthday parties to huge corporation venues.
Eero is a creative performer who can travel smoothly between different genres from flamenco to classic rock via deepest heavy metal. His heart beats to world peace in every beat of the music he plays to!
Kat & Jared
Katariina and Jared Van Earle
Oulu, Finland
Kat & Jared
Katariina and Jared Van Earle
Oulu, Finland
Kat (FIN) and Jared (AUS) relocated to Oulu in 2019 after completing their studies in Madrid. This unique circus and dance duo fearlessly embraces new challenges, the latest technology, and burning issues in their work. They also just love to work and play hard, fly high and put on a good show. Their Air Guitar show is the most exhilarating and rockin’ acrobatic performance you’ll ever see.
Match Made In Air
We offer our partners with memorable opportunities and guarantee unforgettable atmosphere.