I'm the Air Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”