🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. 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 intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”