I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.
As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.
Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
