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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it struck me: this must be 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 earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”