Zachary Knowles, aka ‘Ichabod Fame,’ Wins Air Guitar World Championship in Finland

Zachary Knowles, also known as ‘Ichabod Fame,’ has taken the air guitar world by storm after being crowned the 2024 air guitar world champion in Finland. The 34-year-old Canadian man wowed the judges with his high-energy routine set to a cover version of Nickelback’s “Photograph,” complete with hair flips, high kicks, spins, and even a cartwheel.

Knowles, a Hamilton-born actor and bass player, fully embraces the silliness of air guitar but sees it as an art form that allows performers and audiences to let loose and have fun. He beat out 15 other competitors, including last year’s champion from Japan, Nanami (Seven Seas) Nagura, with his performance that showcased originality, stage presence, technical merit, and artistic impression.

In a video call from Manchester, U.K., Knowles explained the appeal of air guitar, saying, “You get to put on the most wild and entertaining performance for just up to 60 seconds that you possibly can. Air guitar is an invitation to be a little silly because when you bring something that is so ridiculous and really put your heart into it, a crowd goes ‘OK, I can be a little silly too.’”

Knowles first discovered air guitar while teaching burlesque dancing and was encouraged by his students to participate in regional competitions. Since then, he has been named Canada’s national air guitar champion and hopes to use his wins to promote Air Guitar Canada and raise awareness about the sport in his home country.

The Air Guitar World Championship, which aims to promote world peace through the power of music, has been held since 1996. Knowles’ victory not only solidifies his place as a top air guitarist but also serves as an inspiration for others to embrace the joy and creativity of air guitar performance.