I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” 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 weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”