I Am the Air Guitar International Titleholder

When I was just 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”