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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

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

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people 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 on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”