I'm the Air Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”