I Am the Air Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.
At the time, 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 felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.
Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”