I'm the Air Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee 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 fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”