I'm the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”