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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, my father managed the music. From that point, national championships have been staged globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I got the nickname “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 came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. 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 air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. The panel evaluate you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs loose enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to mimic solos and my back prepared for those bends and jumps. When the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my brother called the group title, inspired by 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 mini movies and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”