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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films 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 leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”