🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

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

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly 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 promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”