🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned 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 reached the finals 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 support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace 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 real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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