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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to bound, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then all present started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a group with my sibling called the group title, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”