I Am the Air Guitar World Champion

Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”