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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

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

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing 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 referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “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 determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges evaluate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I produce short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”