I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.
Initially, I asked my parents 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 believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
