I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “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 came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”