🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. 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 digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community 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 all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a group with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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