🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. 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 stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist 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 claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. By the time the event arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He offered 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”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”