🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

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

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion 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”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my brother called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”