I'm the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. 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 crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “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 support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”