🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish 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 “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”