I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went 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 performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.
Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”