I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner

At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. 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 family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”