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At the age of 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu each August.

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 a lot of adults. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and U2. the Australian rockers was the first band I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a rock star. I advanced to the last round, playing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to deliver maximum effort – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands nimble enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. When the event dawned, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so excited to play again. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then all present started singing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a band with my brother called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create short films and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the chance to perform, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”