🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

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