I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”