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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – mom distributed flyers, my father organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held globally, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the first band I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it struck me: so this is to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, playing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was resolved to win this year.

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

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to give everything – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. The panel evaluate you on a point range from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the last two competitors: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body set for those bends and jumps. When competition day arrived, I could internalize the track in my soul.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in two and a half decades. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and guitarist in a group with my family member called the Southgates, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it results in more creative work. My hometown will be a European capital of culture soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just appreciative: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”