I'm the Air Guitar Global Winner

At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced 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 determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the event dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”