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When I was just 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mum distributed flyers, dad managed the music. Since then, national championships have been held globally, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the most popular rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My parents were music fans – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I discovered on my own. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

As I took the stage, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The audience started yelling “Angus”, similar to the concert version, and it hit me: so this is to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The air guitar community is like a support system. Our guiding principle is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to put their all – explosive energy, flawless imitation, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Training is crucial. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I practiced flexibility, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the event came, I could sense the music in my soul.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We competed directly to the Guns N’ Roses hit by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and above all I was so excited to have another go. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the area exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from the excitement. Then everyone started singing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a past winner and one of my best pals, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from all over the world, and everyone is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re free to be yourself, silly, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and guitarist in a group with my brother called the band name, referencing Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I aspire it results in more artistic projects. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

At present, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that budding enthusiast who found a story and thought, “That's for me.”