🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”