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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, national championships have been held all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. 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 choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”