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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”