I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a group with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings 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 network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”