I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. 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 biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals 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 close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.
Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
