🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. 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 compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round 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 ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. 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 “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”