I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.
Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”
