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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it 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 take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine 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 perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”