Air guitar player out of world championships

Piers Burnell, a resident of Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, recently represented the UK at the World Air Guitar Championships 2025 in Oulu, Finland. Air guitar is a unique competition where participants pretend to play a guitar, showing off their skills and creativity without using a real instrument. This year, Piers took on the character of James Bond Double Air Seven, dressing in a sharp suit and posing with a fake gun to match the famous spy's style. Last year, he performed under the name Sober Man, but wanted to try something different for the 29th annual event.

During the competition, Piers performed three songs from the James Bond movies, closing his eyes and fully immersing himself in the role. The judges scored each contestant, and the results were extremely close. Piers was knocked out in the qualifying round by just 0. 7 points, which shows how competitive the event can be. He explained that sometimes the difference between first and seventh place is only a single point. Despite not making it to the next round, Piers remains positive and is already looking forward to next year's championship. He believes the 30th anniversary of the event will be even bigger and more challenging, especially since it will coincide with Oulu being named the European Capital of Culture for 2026.

Piers is passionate about spreading the official motto of the Air Guitar World Championships: 'Make air, not war. ' He feels that the event is about bringing people together, having fun, and promoting peace through music and performance. Dressing up as James Bond and performing in front of an international audience was a thrilling experience for him. He hopes to inspire others to join the air guitar community and enjoy the excitement of the competition.

The World Air Guitar Championships attract participants from all over the globe, each bringing their own style and energy to the stage. Piers enjoys being part of this creative and supportive community. He believes that air guitar is not just about pretending to play music, but about expressing yourself and connecting with others. The event is a celebration of music, imagination, and friendship.

As Piers looks ahead to next year's contest, he knows it will be tougher than ever. The 30th anniversary and the cultural celebrations in Oulu will make the event even more special. He is determined to improve his performance and hopes to make it further in the competition. For now, he is proud of his efforts and grateful for the opportunity to represent the UK.

If you have a story for BBC Oxfordshire, you can reach out to them through their contact form or follow them on social media for more updates. Piers Burnell's journey shows that even in defeat, there is joy in participating and sharing your passion with others. The World Air Guitar Championships are a reminder that music and creativity can bring people together from all walks of life.