I'm the Air Guitar Global Winner

At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. 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.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”