🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, 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 yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”