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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”