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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He gave 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 “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”