I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.
Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”