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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper 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 inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. By the time the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – 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, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”