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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”