I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner 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 prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
