I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

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

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”