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At the age of 10, I read about a story in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, national championships have been staged all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was addicted. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, 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 decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to leap, my hands quick enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once the event came, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was in attendance as well. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, all participants shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be free, humorous, the top performer in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a band with my brother called the group title, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life too much 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 the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I'd love to try that.”