I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.
At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various 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 made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.
The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
