🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, 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 public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”