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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, 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 daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a drummer and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”