I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “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 resolved to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”