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At the age of 10, I came across a article in my community gazette about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, country-level contests have been organized in many nations, with the champions gathering in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the most popular rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – my father loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the original act I discovered on my own. Angus Young, the guitar hero, was my idol.

As I took the stage, I played my set to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The spectators started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, performing to crowds in the public plaza, and I was captivated. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a adjudicator one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn't participate. I returned at 18, experimented with various stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and make “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve made it to the final annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was set to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a close-knit group. The saying we live by is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a genuine belief.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – high-powered performance, perfect mime, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Judges evaluate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I chose an a metal group song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for a long time. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my back set for those bends and jumps. When the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was occasion for an air-off. We competed directly to Sweet Child o’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was familiar to me, and primarily I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started chanting the classic tune that well-known track and raised me up on to their shoulders. One of the greats – alias Nordic Thunder – a former champion and one of my closest friends, was hugging me. I cried. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Focus on fun, not fighting”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from globally, and all involved is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and musician in a musical act with my family member called the group title, inspired by the sports figure, as we’re inspired by British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I produce independent videos and music videos. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it leads to more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are great prospects.

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