🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. 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 won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”