🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace 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. People come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”