🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “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 went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”