I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been held in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.
Initially, 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 felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People 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 uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”