🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”