I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage 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 win this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.
Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my being.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
