I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.
Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.
The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.
Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the area exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”
