I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, 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 decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.
The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle 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 a short window to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.
Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could sense the music in my being.
Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug 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”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.
At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
