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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and started the show another time, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the event arrived, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s that well-known track and raised me up on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”