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Back when I was 10, I discovered a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time the event arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

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 final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my brother called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I direct independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”