I'm the Air Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad 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 played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came 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 stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist 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 serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”