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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. Once the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”