🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”