I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.
Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
