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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “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 win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”