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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people 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 started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – explosive energy, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to jump, my fingers nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion 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 a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”