🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, 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 struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “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 resolved to win this year.

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

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”