I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set 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 true ethos.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
