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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

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