🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”