I'm the Air Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title 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 a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.
Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”