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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a music icon. I reached the championship, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to bound, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

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. Participants come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”