I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner

At the age of 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, 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 decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”