I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town 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, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.
Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
