Japanese Band Wins First Ever Heavy Metal Knitting World Championship in Finland

A head-banging, body-slamming, tight-knitting Japanese group reigned supreme in the first ever heavy metal knitting competition held in Joensuu, Finland on Thursday.

Participants of the inaugural Heavy Metal Knitting World Championship performed by knitting to the rhythm of heavy metal music in a “fashion somewhat similar to the air guitar,” using yarn and needles in place of an imaginary guitar.

“In heavy metal knitting, needlework, and music become united like never before,” the competition’s website stated. “Knitting to the rhythm of heavy metal music can be compared to playing air guitar – which is a Finnish way to goof around as well.”

Competitors were judged according to their attitude, performing skills, their audience impact, and their “Heavyknittinghood,” the Associated Press reports.

GIGA BODY METAL, a very energetic group from Japan, was announced the winner of the competition because their performance not only delivered a “story” but also consisted of a combination of their own culture, knitting, and heavy metal. The group also captivated the audience for being both “serious and crazy, just like it should be.”

Meanwhile, Denmark’s Crafts with Ellen and USA’s 9″ Needles placed second and third place respectively.

The event, which attracted 12 groups from different parts of the globe, was attended by about 200 audience members. Aside from the winners, the rest of the finalists came from Finland, Latvia, Russia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

“Knitting is such a meditative activity but now it’s energetic and heart pumping,” Beth Everson, a performer who came from Michigan, was quoted as saying.

Heavy Metal Knitting World Championship is set to return for more heavy knitting action next year.

Featured image via Instagram/heavymetalknitting

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