🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”