I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner

Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”