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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been organized all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it struck me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, competing to hundreds of people in the public plaza, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to take the title this year.

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

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Judges score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could internalize the track in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – AKA his stage name – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. Participants come from globally, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and musician in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create short films and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are exciting things ahead.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I want to do that.”