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When I was just 10, I read about a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market 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 stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my fingers nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”