🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several 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 reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”