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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted 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 area went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”