I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”