🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song 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 cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”