I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.
Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
