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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back set for those moves and leaps. When competition day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, named after Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”