I Am the Air Guitar International Titleholder

When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”