I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu 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 ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”