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When I was just 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest since 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father managed the music. Ever since, national championships have been held all across the world, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I played my set to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, playing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators score you on a scale from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I chose an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my hands fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back ready for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from all over the world, and all involved is helpful and motivating. Prior to performing, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a band with my family member called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t altered my routine drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. The city will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”