🔗 Share this article

Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”