I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt 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 biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully 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 resolved to win this year.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could sense the music 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 time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
