I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling 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 an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could sense the music in my being.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
