🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “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, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, 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, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”