I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder
Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “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 resolved to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically 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 next year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
