I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. 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 didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”