I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”