I'm the Air Guitar Global Winner

At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, 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 crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion 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 a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”