🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. 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.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine 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 eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”