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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

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

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market 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 on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, 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 Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

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