I'm the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “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 came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”