I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder
When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.
Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”