I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; 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 miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
