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When I was just 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 since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, 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 accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”