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, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.
At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several 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 made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine 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 thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
