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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. Once competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”