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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”