I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back 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 stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came 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 competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.
My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”