I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder

Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition 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.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”