I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.
Back then, 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 thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct 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. The city 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 young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
