🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the winners 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 an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. 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 improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, 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 free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”