I Became the Air Guitar International Titleholder
At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.
Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.
As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.
Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.
When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.
At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”
