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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the World Air Guitar Competition, that happens every year in my native city of Oulu, Finland. Mom and Dad had participated at the very first contest back in 1996 – my mum gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been organized in many nations, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Back then, I asked my parents if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an intimidating atmosphere, but I was set on it.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my imaginary instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the initial group I found independently. Angus Young, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

Upon entering the spotlight, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in Oulu’s market square, and I was addicted. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and started the show another time, but I didn't participate. I came back at 18, tested out several stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was resolved to win this year.

Our global network is like a family. Our motto is ‘Make air, not war’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Competitors have 60 seconds to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, precise mimicry, performance charm – on an imaginary instrument. Adjudicators evaluate you on a scale from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “air-off” between the final two contestants: a tune begins and you create on the spot.

Getting ready is key. I picked an a metal group song for my performance. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body prepared enough to jump, my digits quick enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body prepared for those gestures and hops. Once the big day arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was time for an tiebreaker. We competed directly to that classic rock anthem by Guns N’ Roses. Once the track began, I felt at ease because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so eager to play again. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue erupted.

My memory is blurry. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the classic tune the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and lifted me on to their backs. One of the greats – also known as Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my best pals, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was Finland’s first air guitar international titleholder in 25 years. The earlier winner from Finland, the former champion, was also present. He gave me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “about damn time”.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is “Make air, not war”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. Prior to performing, each contestant offers an embrace. Then for a brief period you’re free to be free, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Besides that, I'm a beat keeper and musician in a band with my family member called the group title, named after the football manager, as we’re fans of British music genres. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct mini movies and song visuals. Winning hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I hope it leads to more artistic projects. My hometown will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

Currently, I’m just grateful: for the community, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who picked up a newspaper and thought, “That's for me.”