I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

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

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group 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 fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. 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 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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