I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.
Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks 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 many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
