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At the age of 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 participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”