I Am the Air Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

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

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “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 determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold 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 bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

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