I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”
