🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – 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 at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”