🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. 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 air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”