I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”