I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. 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 iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”