🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually 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 managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”