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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, 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 on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

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

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my fingers quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”