I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.
Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. 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 daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing 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 referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”