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When I was just 10, I read about 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 helped out at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, country-level contests have been held globally, with the winners gathering in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and musician in a band with my family member called the band name, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”