🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “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 hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”