I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”