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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; 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.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. 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.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. 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 reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”