I'm the Air Guitar International Titleholder

Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”