🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”