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When I was just 10, I discovered 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 very first contest since 1996 – my mum handed out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, country-level contests have been held in many nations, with the titleholders assembling in Oulu annually.

Initially, I inquired with my family if I could compete. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were enthusiasts – my father loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I did my routine to the band's that classic track. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a judge one year, and opened for the show on another occasion, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my performance alias. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Participants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. In the case of a tie, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to jump, my hands nimble enough to mimic solos and my spine ready for those moves and leaps. Once the event came, I could feel the song in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had tied with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was occasion for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d won, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and lifted me on to their arms. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in two and a half decades. The previous Finnish champion, the earlier victor, was also present. He bestowed upon me the warmest embrace and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. Participants come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, all participants offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a musical act with my family member called the band name, named after the football manager, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more creative work. The city will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who picked up a newspaper and thought, “I want to do that.”