I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.
At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, 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 adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my being.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
