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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

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

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”