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At the age of 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been staged in many nations, with the champions assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory 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 genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. The panel rate you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a group with my brother called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more creative work. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”