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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”