I Am the Air Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “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 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 performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off 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 excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
