🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; 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.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”