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At the age of 10, I came across a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. From that point, national championships have been held all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

During childhood, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the original act I found independently. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I embraced it and adopt “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve made it to the final every year since 2022, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is intense but joyful. Participants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I chose an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs prepared enough to leap, my digits fast enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day came, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the iconic band. When I heard the song, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. When they announced I’d won, the area erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then the crowd started performing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was holding me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar global winner in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “finally happening”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a percussionist and guitarist in a group with my family member called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create short films and performance clips. The victory hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more innovative opportunities. The city will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “I'd love to try that.”