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Back when I was 10, I discovered a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s that classic track. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the town square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

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

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a point range from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I listened to it on a loop for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those gestures and hops. Once competition day dawned, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then all present started singing the song Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”