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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had helped out at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, my father sorted the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been staged in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could participate. 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 intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

During childhood, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my father loved The Boss and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s that classic track. The audience started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show on another occasion, but I didn’t compete. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully 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.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The competition itself is high-energy yet fun. Competitors have 60 seconds to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my fingers fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time the big day arrived, I could sense the music in my being.

When the show concluded, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so eager to perform one more time. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area erupted.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. Competitors come from globally, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my family member called the band name, referencing the sports figure, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I create mini movies and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it leads to more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”