I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I chose 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 lower body loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
