🔗 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 native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

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

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”