🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting 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 lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d won, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started chanting the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”