I'm the Air Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”