I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner

Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”