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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My parents had volunteered at the inaugural contest starting from 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my dad organized 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 inquired with my family if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the most popular rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I performed my act to the band's the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to hundreds of people in Oulu’s market square, 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 compete. I went back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Participants have 60 seconds to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “air-off” between the remaining participants: a tune begins and you freestyle.

Training is crucial. I picked an Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to leap, my hands fast enough to mimic solos and my upper body prepared for those moves and leaps. When the big day came, I could internalize the track in my being.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an final showdown. We went head-to-head to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was familiar to me, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. When they announced I’d emerged victorious, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from shock. Then everyone started performing the classic tune that well-known track and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was holding me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a family. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be uninhibited, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a band with my sibling called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I direct short films and music videos. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a cultural hub next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”