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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I made it to the finals, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those moves and leaps. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the square erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from globally, and each person is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and string player in a band with my brother called the band name, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

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