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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. When the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and guitarist in a band with my brother called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”