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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day came, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”