🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”