🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

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

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”