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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce independent videos 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 creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”