Sam Nicoresti's the world No5 air guitarist
Comic performs at the championship in Finland
Sam Nicoresti has failed in her bid to become the world air guitar champion.
The 2025 Edinburgh Comedy Award winner flew to Finland this weekend to represent the UK in the competition – missing the traditional handover of the Fringe’s most prestigious accolade.
In the town of Oulu – which has hosted the event since 1996 – she faced off against 49 other competitors from 13 countries.
Over the three-day championships, contestants were judged on their performance on the imaginary instrument in songs lasting 60 seconds.
Finland’s own Aapo ‘The Angus’ Rautio took the title, with Nicoresti – using the alter ego Airlo Guv’na – coming in fifth. She said she was ‘beyond proud’ of the result.
Here’s Nicoresti’s performance in round one:
Before the event, the trans comic posted an image of herself saying: ‘This is what a patriot looks like. Proud to represent Britain (UK) on the world stage.’
Competition organisers say wars would end, climate change would stop, and bad things would vanish if everyone in the world played the air guitar. The discipline also champions equality as literally anyone can pick up an air guitar at any time.
Published: 30 Aug 2026
