I Am the Air Guitar Global Winner

When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back 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 artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder 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 prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”