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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, 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 competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”