🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

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

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by 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 create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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