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Back when I was 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating 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 family were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. When competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, 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 emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”