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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “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 resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”