I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”