I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, 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 didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
