🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

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

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back set for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos 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 results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”