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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had participated at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Ever since, country-level contests have been organized all across the world, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Back then, I inquired with my family if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always miming air guitar, miming along to the iconic rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the Australian rockers was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it dawned on me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a judge one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to claim victory 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 competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators rate you on a point range from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: 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 weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body flexible enough to leap, my fingers fast enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. By the time competition day dawned, I could sense the music in my being.

After everyone had performed, the scores came in, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so excited to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the area went wild.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA his performer title – a former champion and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He gave me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our motto is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re free to be uninhibited, playful, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, named after the sports figure, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a short time, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub next year, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”