🔗 Share this article

When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”