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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 hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a short time, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, 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.”