🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

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