I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final 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 support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion 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, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”