In 2026 the Dark Horses Qualification goes viral
Think you’ve got the best air guitar moves in the world? Prove it!
Send us your air guitar video – 30 will go through to a Virtual first round event for Dark Horses, and 5-10 of the best will make it to the live Dark Horses in Oulu, Finland.
Create a one-minute video showing off your ultimate solo performance — no edits, no cuts, just one camera and one take. You must perform alone, but you can go wild with costumes, props, and attitude. Use your own music or a mix of tracks — whatever makes your performance rock.
Everyone who enters the competition with a video, will have the chance to perform in Oulu in the opening number of the Live Event. All videos will also be shown in a video show at the 2026 festivities!
Why is it different?
Oulu is the European Capital of Culture in 2026, and Air Guitar World Championships is a part of the Delta Life grand finale. The 3-day-event is the culmination of the whole summer. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform at a very special stage built on the birthplace of Oulu on the water over the delta area in Oulu, and an unique chance to be a part of the Culture Capital year. This is the biggest and fanciest stage that air guitar has ever taken over.
Competition Process
Entry application is open from 14th of April 2026 to April 30th 2026 until 4pm Finnish time.
In case of over 30 participants, A pre-jury will review all entries and select 30 videos to compete in the Virtual Dark Horses (round 1).
The Virtual Event takes place on June 6, 2026, featuring international judges who will watch and score each of the 30 videos live.
The 5-10 highest-scoring performers will advance to the Live Dark Horses (round 2) in August 2026 in Oulu, Finland. The number of round two competitors depends on the Delta Life schedule, which will be confirmed in the spring of 2026.