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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”