I'm the Air Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. 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, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”