I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
