🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds 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 kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”