🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

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

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce 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.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”