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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

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 competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my family member called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”