🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

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 genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”