🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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