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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. When competition day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an air-off. We faced off 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 eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer 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 mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”