I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder
Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.
At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”
