I'm the Air Guitar International Titleholder

At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought 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 iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

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