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Back when I was 10, I came across a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show once more, 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 embraced it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have one minute to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs prepared enough to bound, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day came, I could feel the song in my soul.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the song that well-known track and hoisted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more creative work. Oulu will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

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