🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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