I Am the Air Guitar International Titleholder

When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”