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At the age of 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to bound, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. When the event dawned, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We went head-to-head to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so thrilled to perform one more time. When they announced I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner 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 previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

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 many countries, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”