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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people 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 started the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “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 set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”