🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. 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 a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”