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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on 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: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant 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 band with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”