I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators 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, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.
Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
