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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”