I'm the Air Guitar International Titleholder

Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”