🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate 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 song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”