I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
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 true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
