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When I was just 10, I came across a feature in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a group with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, 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.”