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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started 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 decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”