I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, 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 earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back 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 stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
