The Belgian Air Guitar Championship is making a comeback after an eight-year silence. In two events over the coming weeks, a champion will be chosen to send to the world championships in Finland.
The Annual Air Guitar World Championships were first held in 1996 as part of the Oulu Music Video Festival in Oulu, Finland, and are now held there each August. The international competition attracts contestants from around the world to rock out with invisible instruments.
Last year marked the 25th Air Guitar World Championships which took place on 26 August 2022 and was followed live and online by millions worldwide. This year, the 26th edition of the international competition will be held from 23-25 August.
The last Belgian Air Guitar Championship took place in Ghent in 2015 during the Gentse Feesten, but the Belgian branch of the alternative music industry has now announced its comeback.
Headbanging nights
Ahead of this highly anticipated World Final, it is holding two wild evenings at the Brasserie de la Mule in Schaerbeek on 24 June and 8 July. Belgian residents will be invited to take to the stage and mimic a guitarist's movements.
"At the moment, we've already had a number of entries, including some former candidates who want a rematch," Airgus, the current President of the Belgian Air Guitar Federation, told The Brussels Times. "For example, Air Guitarist Dirty Beaujolais who won the title in 2015 will be back this year to defend his title."
However, it is still possible to register on the spot, as it is every year. "A list of Rock classics will be available, just like at a karaoke, for those who would like to take part on the big day."
On the first evening on 24 June, participants will be evaluated and the semi-final will be held. A panel of air guitar legends, musicians, journalists and artists will assess the participants' performances.
This will be followed by a concert by Italian-Belgian band Romano Nervoso and VHS From Space, bringing 90s alternative rock, topped with a pinch of cosmic psychedelia.
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The final will take place on 8 July, with performances by the Airband 'La Mastairclasse' – an Air Band made up of the current World Champion, the French Champion, the runner-up World Champion, the 2019 French Champion and the 2009 and 2010 double Belgian Champion – and 'Grand Air'etoké'.
Here, the title of Belgian champion will be awarded to the best Air Guitarist, who will not only win a genuine STAGG guitar but also the opportunity to represent Belgium at the World Championship in Oulu in August.
Think you've got what it takes to become the next Belgian (and possibly world) champion? Whether to take part or simply for unique (and free) evening entertainment, all are welcome.
