I'm the Air Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; 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.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”