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When I was just 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 back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a grading system from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so excited to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started chanting the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community 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. People come from many countries, and each person is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”