I Am the Air Guitar International Titleholder

Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”