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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, 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 embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came 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’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”