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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, 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 make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my hands quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day came, I could sense the music in my being.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants shows support. Then for one minute you’re able to be free, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, referencing the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”