I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner

At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds 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 on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several 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 set to win this year.

The worldwide group 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. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”