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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my hands quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

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 went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”