🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying 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 everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”