I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner

Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”