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When I was just 10, I discovered a feature in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had helped out at the pioneering contest since 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been held in many nations, with the titleholders gathering in Oulu annually.

Initially, I requested permission if I could participate. They weren't sure at first; the show was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

As a kid, I was always miming air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and U2. AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's that classic track. The spectators started shouting “Angus”, just like the album track, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I reached the championship, performing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I was the runner-up, so I was set to win this year.

The worldwide group is like a close-knit group. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. Though it appears humorous, but it’s a genuine belief.

The contest is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have one minute to put their all – dynamic presence, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a grading system from 4.0 to 6.0. In the case of a tie, there’s an “tiebreaker” 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 performance. I played it repeatedly for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to bound, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When the event arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the scores came in, and I had matched with the Japanese champion, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an air-off. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and primarily I was so eager to play again. When they announced I’d won, the venue erupted.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then everyone started chanting Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and hoisted me on to their shoulders. A former champion – also known as his performer title – a past winner and one of my closest friends, was embracing me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the earlier victor, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “finally happening”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a true way of life. Competitors come from many countries, and all involved is positive and uplifting. As you prepare to compete, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my family member called the Southgates, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been serving drinks for a short time, and I create independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t altered my routine too much but I’ve been doing a many interviews, and I wish it results in more innovative opportunities. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

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