I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.
Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. When competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. 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 all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
