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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Judges rate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my digits fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had tied with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”