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Back when I was 10, I read about a story 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 volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off 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 eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. 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 arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”