I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”