🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”