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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”