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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the winners converging in Oulu every summer.

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 a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. Once the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to play again. Once the results were read I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started chanting the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

This worldwide group is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more creative work. My hometown will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”