🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I came across a feature 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 pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went 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 qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion 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, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”