🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. 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 bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”