I Became the Air Guitar World Champion
Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.
Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
