I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.
Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system 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 improvise.
Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. 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 cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”
