I Became the Air Guitar World Champion

When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – 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 excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”