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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. 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.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced 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 set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system 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 chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”