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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the winners converging in Oulu annually.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: 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.”