Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.
Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition 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.
As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.
As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.
After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.
Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.
After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. 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 more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.
The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.
I’m also a drummer and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.
For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
