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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals 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 motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, 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 offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”