🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”