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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”