I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner

Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”