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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother handed out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

Back then, I requested permission if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. 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 stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was resolved to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a song plays and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could internalize the track in my bones.

When the show concluded, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be free, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I direct short films and song visuals. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”