I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”