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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. The panel score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my legs flexible enough to jump, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”