🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”