🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”