I Am the Air Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”