🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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