I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined 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’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.
Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner 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 rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, 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 family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
