I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.
At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly 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 primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
