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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “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 resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those moves and leaps. When competition day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”