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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”