🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a band with my brother called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”