🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”