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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”