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Back when I was 10, I read about a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: so this is to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people 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 started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. Once the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”