I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, 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 triumphed, the venue went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”