I Am the Air Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

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

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”