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When I was just 10, I discovered a article 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 starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a rock star. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – 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 primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be uninhibited, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”