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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”