🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show 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, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my brother called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

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