I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
