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When I was just 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, national championships have been organized globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. 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 didn't participate. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

Our global network is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is intense but joyful. Contestants have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. The panel evaluate you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Preparation is everything. I chose an a metal group song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my fingers nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had tied with the titleholder from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue exploded.

My memory is blurry. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then all present started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his stage name – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from many countries, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and musician in a band with my brother called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I produce mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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