I'm the Air Guitar World Champion

At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started 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 accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion 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 previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”