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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

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

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When the event arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”