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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my back set for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the square exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

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