Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.
At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.
During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.
When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.
Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.
The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.
Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.
When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.
It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.
Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.
Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.
At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”
