🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible 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. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”