I'm the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.
At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”