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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set 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 genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”