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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”