I Am the Air Guitar International Titleholder

Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”