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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

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

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. Oulu will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”