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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score 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 song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”