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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, 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 stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”