I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.
Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”