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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; 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 determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”