I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.
Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could sense the music in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a group with my brother called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”