When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.
At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming 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 invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. 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 returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.
The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.
After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.
Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”
