I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.
Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist 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 take the title this year.
Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.
Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.
I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.
For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”