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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

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

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. When the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug 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”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”