I Became the Air Guitar Global Winner
Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.
Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.
Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.
Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the square exploded.
The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”
