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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied 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 rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”