🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those moves and leaps. By the time the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”