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 hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.
At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range 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 freestyle.
Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
