🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”