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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”