I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like 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 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 started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub 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 found a story and thought, “That's for me.”