I'm the Air Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, 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 kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

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

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”