🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, 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 embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

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