I Am the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”