🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”