I'm the Air Guitar International Titleholder

When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: so this is 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 earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “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 win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”