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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad organized the music. From that point, national championships have been held in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the big day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos 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 hope it results in more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”