I'm the Air Guitar International Titleholder

Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

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