I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, 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, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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