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Back when I was 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my father managed the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held all across the world, with the winners 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 a lot of adults. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were music fans – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the original act I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and kicked off the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to give everything – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel rate you on a grading system from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to bound, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. By the time competition day came, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then the crowd started chanting the song Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – alias his stage name – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for 60 seconds you’re able to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I create short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a designated cultural center soon, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the opportunity to play, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”