I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.
At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, 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 adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals 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 family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner 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”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
