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When I was just 10, I came across a story in my local paper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the pioneering contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, national championships have been staged in many nations, with the titleholders converging in Oulu annually.

Initially, I asked my parents if I could participate. Initially they had doubts; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They felt it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the iconic rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – my father loved Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my idol.

Upon entering the spotlight, I performed my act to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn't participate. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and adopt “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a support system. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, rock star charisma – on an invisible guitar. Adjudicators evaluate you on a point range from four to six. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the last two competitors: a tune begins and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I selected an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to leap, my hands fast enough to copy riffs and my spine set for those bends and jumps. Once competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. As the music started, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to have another go. As they declared I’d emerged victorious, the area went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding saying is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and everyone is helpful and motivating. Before you go on stage, every competitor shows support. Then for a brief period you’re able to be yourself, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and string player in a band with my family member called the group title, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re influenced by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been serving drinks for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I aspire it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture the coming year, so there are exciting things ahead.

For now, I’m just grateful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”