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At the age of 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”