I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”