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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”