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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”