I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.
Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to crowds 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 on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.
Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.
Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.
For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”
