🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “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 determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”