I Am the Air Guitar World Champion
When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.
At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, 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 decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.
Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”