🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”