🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”