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When I was just 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. 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 set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to have another go. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my brother called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”