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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, 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 adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my back ready for those bends and jumps. Once competition day came, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my brother called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”