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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are promising opportunities.

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