I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; 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 set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “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 win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”