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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “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 determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, 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 support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”