🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. 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 qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

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

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem 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 play again. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”