🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. 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 make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”