I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “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 returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
