I'm the Air Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly 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 primarily I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”