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Back when I was 10, I read about a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the winners converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. 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 compete. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win 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 competition itself is intense but joyful. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I picked an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to copy riffs and my back prepared for those moves and leaps. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in 25 years. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I direct short films and music videos. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”