I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, 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 chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
