I Am the Air Guitar International Titleholder

When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. 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 came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”