I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.
Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”