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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”