I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”