I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
