🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round 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 family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”