I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people 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 kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a scale 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 create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”