I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory 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 contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”
