🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

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 overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”