🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”