I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. 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 support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins 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 jump, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”
