I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different 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 every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”