I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette 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 back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.
Back then, 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 an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “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 claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
