🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. 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.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”