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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; 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.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “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 determined to take the title this year.

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

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”