I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.
Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “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 was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”
