🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”