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When I was just 10, I read about a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I requested permission 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 believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it 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 take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I listened to it on a loop for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my back ready for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I blacked out from the excitement. Then all present started performing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I wept. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”