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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents 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 determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group 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 audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully 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 claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those bends and jumps. When the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”