I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The title 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 cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”