When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.
At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.
In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.
As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.
Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.
The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.
The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.
Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my bones.
When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.
My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.
This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.
I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.
Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”
