🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, 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. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”