🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. 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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”