I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create 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 wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”
