I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.
Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
