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Back when I was 10, I came across a feature in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom handed out flyers, dad organized the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could participate. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my make-believe instrument. My parents were music fans – my father loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I discovered on my own. the lead guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's that classic track. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, similar to the live recording, and it struck 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 earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and started the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final each competition since then, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to take the title this year.

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

The contest is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have a short window to put their all – dynamic presence, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an invisible guitar. Judges rate you on a scale from four to six. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I selected an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs flexible enough to leap, my fingers quick enough to copy riffs and my spine ready for those gestures and hops. When competition day arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was familiar to me, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from surprise. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. A former champion – also known as his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was also present. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Make air, not war”. It sounds silly, but it’s a true way of life. People come from many countries, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Before you go on stage, each contestant shows support. Then for a brief period you’re allowed to be uninhibited, silly, the top performer in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and musician in a band with my brother 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 produce independent videos and performance clips. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I hope it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub the coming year, so there are promising opportunities.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that young child who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”