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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “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 compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network 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. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: 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.”