🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

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

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”