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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. 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 air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”