I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”