🔗 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 birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up 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 previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”