🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”