I'm the Air Guitar International Titleholder

When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. 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 lower body loose enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved 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 emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s 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 previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”