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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the winners assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, 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 accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. Once the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, 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, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

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