I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
