I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner

At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”