🔗 Share this article

At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

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