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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”