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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, 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: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. 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 performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a group with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. 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 too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”