🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. 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 air guitar community 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 event is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”