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At the age of 10, I discovered a story in my hometown newspaper about the Air Guitar World Championships, which take place every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had volunteered at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, dad managed the music. From that point, domestic competitions have been organized globally, with the champions assembling in Oulu every summer.

At the time, I inquired with my family if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. Mom and Dad were lovers of music – dad loved Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I stumbled upon myself. Angus Young, the lead guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, just like the live recording, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, playing to hundreds of people in the town square, and I was captivated. I got the nickname “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 went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “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 resolved to win 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 real philosophy.

The event is high-energy yet fun. Contestants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. The panel score you on a point range from four to six. In the case of a tie, there’s an “showdown” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an 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 digits fast enough to imitate guitar parts and my spine set for those moves and leaps. Once the event arrived, I could sense the music in my bones.

After everyone had performed, the points were announced, and I had matched with the titleholder from Japan, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was time for an tiebreaker. We faced off to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. As the music started, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and above all I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d triumphed, the square went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song that well-known track and lifted me on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – alias his stage name – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. The phrase we live by is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and all involved is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, all participants comes and hugs you. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be free, playful, the ultimate music icon in the world.

I’m also a drummer and musician in a group with my sibling called the band name, named after the sports figure, as we’re influenced by British music genres. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life 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 the coming year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”