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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. 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 compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”