🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

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

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came 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 stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”