🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; 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 “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”