🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, 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 on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

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 occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, 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 many interviews, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”